For the first time in six years there are no sunspots on our side of the sun at all. Unlike a year ago, when we saw an estimated X-28 flare (off the scale, which technically only goes to X-10), now the X-ray flux is pathetically low. Here's a SOHO shot of the blank sun. This means no auroras and very bad HF radio propagation for awhile, not that we get much in the way of auroras down here in New Mexico anyway...