The first sunspot of solar cycle 24 has appeared marking the beginning of the next 11 year solar cycle.

Solar physicists have been waiting for the appearance of a reversed-polarity sunspot to signal the start of the next solar cycle. The wait is over. A magnetically reversed, high-latitude sunspot emerged today

A rapid upswing of solar activity is expected over the next few years and many experts believe this will be one of the strongest cycles in the 400 or so years that records have been kept.

Solar activity affects the propagation of radio signals and many bands that have been dormant for years will bustle with activity once again. 

You can get detailed solar activity information by clicking on 'solar x-rays' at the top right of this page.