The Sun's Activity Follows a CYCLE
The Sun goes through a cycle, of MINIMUM activity (few sunspots, flares, etc) to a cycle of MAXIMUM activity. About every 11 years, the magnetic field gets so incredibly wound up, it simply *SNAPS*. The magnetic field lines re-align, and the Sun is seen during a MINIMUM activity stage again. However, NOW, Magnetic North and South have SWITCHED!
