[Myrddin]

We've had a record year of NO sunspots in 2008. You're suggesting a massive increase on solar activity that just isn't evident in the current conditions on the sun. As it stands, it seems more likely that we'll have a protracted period of inactivity on the sun and a potential ice age underway.

[Joiseydude]

The Sun operates on an 11-year cycle, alternating between active and quiet periods. We are currently in a quiet period, with few sunspots on the sun’s surface and fewer solar flares, though the next cycle of activity has begun.