Astronomy Daily: Space News Updates Solar Storm Hits Early! Plus China's Reusable Rockets & Exoplanet Magnetic Shields
Jan 20, 2026
28:43
The Sun's latest outburst arrived ahead of schedule! A powerful X1.9 solar flare and massive CME triggered severe G4 geomagnetic storms on January 19th, bringing spectacular auroras as far south as Alabama. Hosts Anna and Avery break down what happened and what to expect.
Also in today's episode: China successfully tests the Long March 12B reusable rocket, giving us a preview of their next-gen launch capabilities. We get an exclusive look at the Xuntian space telescope set to launch in 2027, which could rival Hubble with 300x the field of view. Plus, stunning new Hubble images reveal how baby stars carve out cosmic homes in the Orion Molecular Cloud.
We'll run through this week's packed launch schedule featuring SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, and China, and explore groundbreaking research showing how hidden magma oceans might protect rocky exoplanets from deadly radiation.
**Episode Highlights:**
• BREAKING: Severe G4 solar storm strikes Earth early - aurora forecast through Jan 20
• China's Long March 12B reusable rocket passes critical static fire test
• Xuntian telescope preview: China's answer to Hubble launches 2027
• Hubble reveals protostar jets and cavities in Orion Molecular Cloud
• 7 launches from 6 sites this week: Your complete guide
• Basal magma oceans could generate protective magnetic fields on super-Earths
**Topics Covered:**
Space Weather, Solar Flares, CMEs, Geomagnetic Storms, Auroras, Reusable Rockets, Chinese Space Program, Space Telescopes, Star Formation, Orbital Launches, Exoplanets, Planetary Magnetism, Astrobiology
Visit us at astronomydaily.io for more space and astronomy news!
Follow us on social media: @AstroDailyPod on all major platforms
#SpaceWeather #SolarStorm #Aurora #NorthernLights #SpaceX #China #SpaceTelescope #Exoplanets #Astronomy #SpaceNews
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This episode includes AI-generated content.
Also in today's episode: China successfully tests the Long March 12B reusable rocket, giving us a preview of their next-gen launch capabilities. We get an exclusive look at the Xuntian space telescope set to launch in 2027, which could rival Hubble with 300x the field of view. Plus, stunning new Hubble images reveal how baby stars carve out cosmic homes in the Orion Molecular Cloud.
We'll run through this week's packed launch schedule featuring SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, and China, and explore groundbreaking research showing how hidden magma oceans might protect rocky exoplanets from deadly radiation.
**Episode Highlights:**
• BREAKING: Severe G4 solar storm strikes Earth early - aurora forecast through Jan 20
• China's Long March 12B reusable rocket passes critical static fire test
• Xuntian telescope preview: China's answer to Hubble launches 2027
• Hubble reveals protostar jets and cavities in Orion Molecular Cloud
• 7 launches from 6 sites this week: Your complete guide
• Basal magma oceans could generate protective magnetic fields on super-Earths
**Topics Covered:**
Space Weather, Solar Flares, CMEs, Geomagnetic Storms, Auroras, Reusable Rockets, Chinese Space Program, Space Telescopes, Star Formation, Orbital Launches, Exoplanets, Planetary Magnetism, Astrobiology
Visit us at astronomydaily.io for more space and astronomy news!
Follow us on social media: @AstroDailyPod on all major platforms
#SpaceWeather #SolarStorm #Aurora #NorthernLights #SpaceX #China #SpaceTelescope #Exoplanets #Astronomy #SpaceNews
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.
Sponsor Details:
Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!
Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here
This episode includes AI-generated content.