In 2004, NASA scientists started looking forward to a new solar minimum. In 2005, it began. At this time most scientists expected the new
solar cycle 24 to begin in late 2006 or early 2007 with a following ramp up in solar activity. But 2006 and 2007, according to NASA data, passed without any sign of a new solar cycle. During this time, the sun remained unusually quiet. Then, in early 2008...