The sun is beginning it's new solar cycle. We're starting to see more sun spot activity after a long, unpredicted solar minimum. Each cycle averages 11 years and has big effects on the solar weather/wind. Some scientist believe the sun spots have an effect on climate. Find more from this NASA article.

This is the predicted solar cycle. NASA scientist think our new cycle will have the lowest peak since 1928.

We've known about the sun spot cycle since the mid 1980s. Here's a look at the cycle, notice the big mininum from around 1650 to 1700. Again, you can read much more about the sun and it's cycle at the link provided above.

Spaceweather.com is noticing more activity as well. Check out their site for more information.

"Space Weather News for July 4, 2009
http://spaceweather.com

The sun is putting on its own 4th of July fireworks show. A new sunspot is rapidly emerging in the sun's southern hemisphere and it is crackling with B-class solar flares. The magnetic polarity of sunspot 1024 identifies it as a member of new Solar Cycle 24. It appears to be the best offering yet of the young solar cycle. Check http://spaceweather.com for images and updates."

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