A high latitude sunspot appeared on January 3rd which has a magnetic polarity opposite those observed in the current cycle. According to solar physicist Doug Biesecker of NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, "This sunspot is like the first robin of spring, In this case, it’s an early omen of solar storms that will gradually increase over the next few years.” The new solar cycle is expected begin slowly with increasing activity until it peaks in 2011 or 2012. For more information see http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2008/20080104_sunspot.html/
Image credit NOAA.
