As the sun heads toward the solar maximum somewhere around 2013 (meaning it potentially could spit out all kinds of supercharged plasma), a large solar flare was directed at Earth on February 15th with all the associated particles arriving between February 17th and 18th.  This particular flare, although large, is probably not strong enough to cause much if any disruption (although it was reported that it affected some China Radio Communications).

NOAA has given February 17th a 35% chance of geomagnetic activity (i.e. Aurora) so those living in the higher latitudes may get a nice show.