Promising Signs from Ol' Sol

Sunspots observed December 24 in the Sun's upper
latitudes, with magnetic polarities placing them in Cycle 25.
(NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory image via space.com)

Two more Cycle 25 sunspots appeared on the surface of the Sun in late December, providing reassurance that there will be a new cycle and that we are not likely to be stuck in an extended solar mini- mum. This is in line with an updated international forecast for Cycle 25 issued in early December.

The ARRL quoted solar researcher Tony Phillips as saying that the current minimum is "deep" and "century-class according to sunspot counts," but that the new sunspots "suggest that the solar cycle is, in fact, unfolding normally," and that a new Maunder minimum does not appear to be in the offing.