(Image Source: NASA)

BY EVAN BUSH

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Maybe the Mayans had it wrong -- after all the hullabaloo from theorists saying a solar storm could end the world in 2012 -- it turns out the real action’s starting in 2011.

That’s right --  the first of many expected solar flares will hit earth until the end of the year.  But don’t worry -- it poses no danger to human life, just cell reception. PC World explains.

“our sun is ramping up its solar activity right about now. …  minor radio blackouts are expected, including disruptions to devices like GPS units, radios, and mobile phones.”

A physics professor on CNN explains --- this is all part of the sun’s usual cycle, but it could cause some fairly serious problems.

“Every 11 years the sun has a temper tantrum and throws a volley radiation at the earth. So far, we've dodged the bullet. But we're very young in the space age; we’re not used to having our satellites get knocked out because of a solar flare, but it could happen.”

And Space.com reports that while it might be annoying if cell reception is disrupted -- it’s going to be fun to watch for those with the right geography and clear skies --

“Geomagnetic storms can also trigger dramatic aurora displays, which are also known as the northern and southern lights. So skywatchers at higher latitudes may want to look up after sunset over the next few days.”

But this is just the start of the ‘tantrum’ part of the cycle. Back in November, when solar storm news began to heat up, CNET reported.

“And though the solar-activity cycle is indeed picking up steam, NASA points out that it's due to peak in late 2013 or early 2014--not 2012--and that anyone over 11 years old has already lived through such a peak without any problems.”

The Daily Mail reports the most disruptive flare Earth has seen knocked out power for 6 million people in Canada.