Heralding the approach of the next Solar Minimum in a couple of years time today we have a completely spotless Sun. We'll see more and more of these as time passes. Solar activity cycles have been in decline over last few decades leading to some observers predicting another 'Maunder Minimum' period such as experienced in the 17th Century.
http://www.spaceweather.com/
But that isn't to say the Sun is calm. Yesterday this ferocious and gigantic firestorm was observed on the solar rim.
http://spaceweathergallery.com/indiv...load_id=135421
There was a time when Sparks would be concerned about solar activity because it could send HF comms down the toilet. Modern comms systems are equally vulnerable to the Sun's tantrums.
Spectacular sight though.