The current upswing in solar activity is the 23rd solar cycle observed since systematic observing of the sun began in the mid-1800's. Solar astronomers believe that one of the key factors driving the sun and its rise and fall in activity is magnetism. Small areas of the sun undergo changing magnetic characteristics and the intensity and scale of these changes are linked to the sun's 11-year activity cycle. There are some indications that Earth's climate may be linked to sunspots. With increased sunspot activity comes increased solar flare activity.
Solar flares are short-lived bursts of energy in small concentrated areas of the sun's surface.
These flares often occur near large sunspots. Solar flares send streams of charged particles into space. These flares and the emissions they produce can be of great concern to manned and unmanned spacecraft. Intense solar flares can cause communications blackouts and power outages on Earth. Displays of the aurora borealis, or northern lights, are another indicator of an active sun that is producing large solar flares.