It's sunspots, or rather the lack of them for a long period of time.
In the chart below, when 2009 is said and done, it will take its rightful place AHEAD of 2008. 
It's sunspots, or rather the lack of them for a long period of time.
In the chart below, when 2009 is said and done, it will take its rightful place AHEAD of 2008.
We are in a Deep Solar Minimum Not only sunspot numbers are way down, but also the strength of the Solar Wind and solar irradiance. The sun has "woken up" a bit in the couple of months, just as it should have.
Wow! A sunspot graphic! Bitchin’.