4 May 2014

2008/2009 sunspots

Just looking back and I noticed a graph showing solar activity just 5-6 years ago. When conditions are pretty decent - as at present - it is hard to remember just how dire they were back then.  We thought the minimum would never end - it went on for years and years with hardly any sunspots.  Next time, around 2019/2020, the minimum may last for many years if we are indeed entering a Maunder minimum.  It is possible hardly any sunspots will be present even at the next maximum.  Only time will tell. Whatever happens we have to enjoy our bands in an appropriate way.

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