I was doing reading about a phenomenon called Maunder Minimum. Basically it is a prolonged period of solar cooling where the sun has very few, if any, sunspots. The last time this happened was approximately 1600-1750. It is highly debated but it may affect the Earth in ways of cooler weather too. Basically the sun's magnetic field is not strong enough to bring sunspots to the surface. Thus the normal 11-year solar cycle period would cease to happen. Between solar cycles 23 and 24 we have seen a marked decrease in sunspot activity, among the lowest in the last 50-100 years. It is expected to decline again in cycle 25, beginning sometime between 2019-2020. If it continues we may see a Maunder Minimum in our lifetime. For me this would be a devastation being an aurora chaser. No sunspots equals nearly no chance for Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and solar flares. These are what make the incredible shows that are romanticized in vibrant colours on websites, calendars, shows, etc. That would cease for at least 50 years or more. Aurora would happen just not intense. A period like that would mean I am not going to take for granted the solar storms that occur in my lifetime. For they may one day cease to happen for the rest of my lifetime. I hope that doesn't happen.