In June 2016, the solar disc was completely free of sunspots for more than two days in a row for the first time since 2011. That 2016 spotless stretch lasted twelve days from the end of June to early July before a sunspot finally appeared. In all, the face of the Sun was blank for 32 days 2016. And yet, before the first month of 2017 was half over, there had already been 10 days without sunspots. Clearly, we’re well on our way to solar minimum.

The Sun undergoes an 11-year cycle, during which the number of sunspots climbs to a maximum before settling down for solar minimum. Not all cycles are alike, and the current one (cycle 24) has been very odd. Not only was the maximum unusually weak, the cycle exhibited a rare double peak—something that hasn’t happened since 1906.

Sunspot numbers have been gradually declining since cycle 24 reached its second, largest peak in April 2014. And because sunspots are a good indicator of general solar activity, the low numbers mean displays of northern lights are also becoming less and less frequent.

Of course, there will be many peaks and valleys within in the overall trend before solar minimum occurs in roughly four years. So if you’re a solar observer or aurora watcher, don’t give up hope just yet—there’ll be plenty of interesting days (and nights) ahead. They’ll just happen less often.