CB radio usage

Yes, solar flares affected AM low-power transmissions and the FCC cut power in exchange for more channels, a double-whammy death knell for the hobby. Today's user is better off just getting a license and going 10-meter and have actual power in their rigs. Brownmht is correct, "Shooting skip" has nothing to do with solar flares, it's about using a high-power AM signal (illegal amps or "heaters") to bounce off the ionosphere and curve with the shape of the earth. If you're interested in communication, why not subscribe or buy an issue at your local bookstore to point you in the right direction:
http://www.popular-communications.com/index.html