A massive eruption from the sun which sent a giant cloud of solar material shoot into space has been videoed by Nasa.

Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory spacecraft captured the blast, which occurred on June 18, on video.

The eruption, known as a coronal mass ejection, caused electricity lines networks in the US to go on a emergency footing.

Solar Dynamics Observatory, Nasa Material blasting out from the side of the sun, as viewed from a Nasa spacecraft.

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This was because the blasts have been known to affect electricity networks.

In New Zealand it caused an enhanced display of Aurora Australis - or the Southern Lights - display at nights.

The 4.5-metre high Solar Dynamics Observatory was launched in February 2010 to help understand solar variability and its impact on Earth.