Here's why:

* Solar Cycle: The Sun goes through a cycle of activity lasting approximately 11 years.

* Solar Maximum: This is the peak of solar activity, characterized by:

* More sunspots

* Increased solar flares

* Stronger solar wind

* Solar Minimum: This is the period of lowest solar activity, characterized by:

* Few sunspots

* Reduced solar flares

* Weaker solar wind

So, the more sunspots we see, the closer we are to the solar maximum.