Solar Tantrums Could Last Two More Years; Space Telescopes Feel Pain. “An 11-year cycle of solar tantrums expected to peak during the summer of 2000 has so far
been weaker than anticipated, but forecasters cautioned that the worst could still be ahead
— way ahead.

Meanwhile, scientists operating space telescopes have been puzzled by unexpected gusts of
solar radiation. But scientists are seizing the opportunity to use the orbiting observatories’
science instruments to study the brief, mysterious waves of energy that have buffeted the
crafts without warning.” space.com