Dear group,
Who stole the sunspots?! Where have they gone?!
As noted by Dr Phillips (SpaceWeather), "As of March 31st, there were no sunspots on 78 of the year's 90 days (87%)." (see
science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/01apr_deepsolarminimum.htm?li
... ) and this a continuation of 2008 where 266 days were characterized without any sunspot activity (same reference).
For an interesting collage of two images spaced precisely four years apart and which is a perfect representation of what is happening (actually NOT happening) with Sol at this moment, I kindly direct you to
www.perseus.gr/Astro-Solar-Scenes-Deep-Minimum-2005-2009.htm
. More specifically, one of the two component images in the collage is from July 5th, 2005 and which documents the sample rich activity which is characteristic of the sun during non-minimum periods. The second component image in the collage is from July 5th, 2009 and is most characteristic of the blank sun which has become the norm and status quo. Please remember to click on the hyperlinked image which really brings the message forth in a higher analysis rendition of the same result.
Some research suggests this lack of sunspot activity impacts the levels of UV in our atmosphere and which in turn impact the development of clouds. Certainly winters have been unusually severe and it seems each and every winter manages to find a way to be worse than the previous one.
Clear skies and at least one sunspot for July 22nd!
Anthony.
  