Solar Flare Cycle Normal So Far

STEREO sunspot cam

I got myself the January issue of "Popular Communications" and looked at the solar flare chart from the NOAA on p. 56. The solar cycle seems to be progressing normally, but the article about it speculated that the peak of the cycle would be not in 2012/2013 but rather in 2014. (The cycle peaks on average every 11 years, so it's not like clockwork.)  However, a panel of experts led by NOAA has predicted May 2013 as the peak.

You can get current solar flare data here http://www.n3kl.org/sun/noaa.html
Or here http://www.sunspotwatch.com
Or here http://stereo-ssc.nascom.nasa.gov/beacon/beacon_secchi.shtml

One cool thing about the solar cycle being on the rise, is that shortwave radio propagation is higher.  Meaning that if you get into HAM radio, you will be able to get signals from farther away. And your signal will be able to be received farther away.  Same with CB radio.

If we end up with a censored internet, or if we lose a big part of the grid so internet's spotty, HAM radio may be a nice alternative for keeping in touch.  Yes, it requires a license, but if they completely outlawed HAM down the road you'd still have the equipment.  At that point, just go mobile and sporadic.  It's still worth getting the license, because you have to learn about radio and pass a test.  Jumping through the hoop is worth it for the self-education, plus we're not yet at the point where they would feel compelled to outlaw lots of forms of communications.