VOA慢速英语:Solar Activity Can Affect Communication, Power on Earth

短语讲解：

1. Scientists on Earth are able to observe sunspots eight minutes after they happen.

be able to 能够
例句：He will be able to take up his normal routine shortly.
他不久就能处理日常事务。

2. So before they arrive, astronauts on the International Space Station move into special areas designed to protect them from their effects.

protect from 保护，保卫
例句：Wild wood should be well protect from excessive hag.
野生森林应该被保护以免过量砍伐。

3. In other words, scientists can almost predict the amount of solar activity.

in other words 换句话说; 就是说
例句：In other words, the electric energy helps to explain the cohesion of the crystal.
换句话说，电势能有助于解释该晶体的结合力。

4. That is a very short time compared to the four billion years that the star has been shining.

compare to 把…比作， 喻为
例句：Cultural life in the country cannot compare to that of a large city.
农村的文化生活不能与大城市的相比拟。