You might find these interesting:
The Sun is currently behaving unexpectedly in a number of ways.[119][120]

* It is in the midst of an unusual sunspot minimum, lasting far longer and with a higher percentage of spotless days than normal; since May 2008.
* It is measurably dimming; its output has dropped 0.02% at visible wavelengths and 6% at EUV wavelengths in comparison with the levels at the last solar minimum.[121]
* Over the last two decades, the solar wind's speed has dropped by 3%, its temperature by 13%, and its density by 20%.[122]
* Its magnetic field is at less than half strength compared to the minimum of 22 years ago. The entire heliosphere, which fills the Solar System, has shrunk as a result, resulting in an increase in the level of cosmic radiation striking the Earth and its atmosphere.


[link to en.wikipedia.org]

SS, remind you of the Boeing guy's thread?