Recent activity is charted here http://www.solen.info/solar/
Cycle 24 has started, but it is taking it's time in getting going. Usually there is more overlap between the tail end of an old cycle, and the start of the new one. There doesn't seem to be a good model for when the new cycle will start, but it seems that the slower the ramp-up, the lower the peak of the cycle. Some predictions from 2-3 years ago were for a very active peak for cycle 24, that is seeming less likely now.
Once the cycle starts to ramp up (maybe just noticable now, give it another 6 months to be sure) it ought to be easier to predict the time and amplitude of the maximum since the shape seems quite predictable.
cosmic rays are inversely proportional to solar magnetic activity. Solar storms cause problems too (mainly for satellites which don't have the protection of the atmosphere)
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Recent activity is charted here http://www.solen.info/solar/ Cycle 24 has started, but it is taking it's time in getting going. Usually there is more overlap between the tail end of an old cycle, and the start of the new one. There doesn't seem to be a good model for when the new cycle will start, but it seems that the slower the ramp-up, the lower the peak of the cycle. Some predictions from 2-3 years ago were for a very active peak for cycle 24, that is seeming less likely now. Once the cycle starts to ramp up (maybe just noticable now, give it another 6 months to be sure) it ought to be easier to predict the time and amplitude of the maximum since the shape seems quite predictable.
cosmic rays are inversely proportional to solar magnetic activity. Solar storms cause problems too (mainly for satellites which don't have the protection of the atmosphere)