Science News Roundup: Solar flares bathe swathes of Siberia in scarlet 'northern lights'; Europe urged not to repeat tech underdog role ahead of space talks

Following is a summary of current science news briefs. Solar flares bathe swathes of Siberia in scarlet 'northern lights' Swathes of Russia and Ukraine were bathed in some of the strongest scarlet and green "northern lights" for years on Monday due to solar flares, according to pictures posted on social media and Russian media.

Following is a summary of current science news briefs.

Solar flares bathe swathes of Siberia in scarlet 'northern lights'

Swathes of Russia and Ukraine were bathed in some of the strongest scarlet and green "northern lights" for years on Monday due to solar flares, according to pictures posted on social media and Russian media. The so-called "aurora borealis" bathed swathes of Siberia, the Urals, southern Russia and Ukraine in green, scarlet and purple overnight.

Europe urged not to repeat tech underdog role ahead of space talks

Europe is being warned not to "miss the train" on the emerging space economy as more than 20 countries gather in Spain, expected to focus on funding for the delayed Ariane 6 rocket as well as climate change and a possible new role in exploration. The 22-nation European Space Agency (ESA) is holding ministerial talks in Seville on Monday followed by a joint session with the European Union on competitiveness in space on Tuesday, dominated by the rapid growth of Elon Musk's U.S.-based rival SpaceX.