Sun spots? What in the world does the spots on the Sun have to do with radios that are used by preppers and survivalists. Everything! The spots on the Sun affect all communications modes, not just ham radio. It is true that not all communications is affected in the same manner but the Sun is a major contributor to communications.
How does the Sun affect communications?
It has to do with propagation, one definition of propagate - travel through the air; "sound and light propagate in this medium". To simplify it, propagation in regards to radio communications behavior after they are transmitted (and also how they act on reception).
Here are some more in-depth articles on sunspots and radio propagation.
Main Page - Sunspots - Radio Propagation
Web Links -Software - Global Warming
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Sunspot Helps: