Why is the sun so strong in Australia?
The sun feels so strong in Australia because much of the country lies close to the tropics, skies are often clear, and Earth's orbit brings it slightly closer to the Sun during the southern summer. This creates very high ultraviolet radiation levels.
UV levels are measured on a UV index. In much of Australia, the index regularly reaches extreme levels of 11 or more in summer. At these levels, unprotected skin can burn in just minutes.
The Earth is closest to the Sun in early January, during the Southern Hemisphere summer. This increases the intensity of sunlight slightly compared with northern summers.
Skin cancer and sun protection
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, partly because many people have fair skin and spend lots of time outdoors. Melanoma is a serious concern.
In 1981, the Cancer Council launched the famous Slip, Slop, Slap campaign, featuring a seagull named Sid. It encouraged Australians to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat. The message was later extended to include seeking shade and sliding on sunglasses.
Schools often have a no hat, no play rule, and daily UV alerts are published by the Bureau of Meteorology.
Did You Know?
Sunscreen in Australia is regulated as a therapeutic product, with strict testing standards.