Sunspots rise and fall in frequency over an 11-year cycle, signalling peaks and lows in solar activity. We expect the next climax in 2000-2001, when the largest and most sophisticated set of spacecraft and ground observatories ever will be waiting to find out more about... HOW THE SUN WORKS.

http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/SEhelp/safety.html
NASA's discussion on eye damage that can result from unprotected viewing of an eclipse. The same is true for viewing the Sun at any time.

http://www.exploratorium.edu/observatory/index.html
The Exploratorium Observatory: Explore the history and science of sunspots including interviews with solar physicists and archeoastronomers.

http://www.sunspotcycle.com/
Sunspots and the Solar Cycle: This is a great resource for current information on sunspots. It includes the current sunspot number and make sure you visit Sunspots in History to discover if you were born during a solar maximum or minimum.