Art Unwin wrote:
From what I have read the alignment of poles from both of them ( Sun
and Earth) determine the degree of sunspots and flares.

Are you aware that the Sun's magnetic poles reverse every
solar cycle at the peak of the cycle? Quoting:

"The Sun's magnetic poles will remain as they are now, with
the north magnetic pole pointing through the Sun's southern
hemisphere, until the year 2012 when they will reverse again.
This transition happens, as far as we know, at the peak of
every 11-year sunspot cycle -- like clockwork."

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2001/ast15feb_1.htm

The degree of sunspots and flares are a cause. The effects
on Earth depend upon "the alignment of the poles from both
of them" which changes approximately every 11 years.
--
73, Cecil http://www.w5dxp.com