China's space probe reaches asteroid after 1-billion-kilometer chase for first sample return

China's space probe reaches asteroid after 1 billion kilometers for first sample mission
The image of asteroid 2016 HO3 captured by China's Tianwen-2 probe on July 2, 2026. Credit: CNSA

China's Tianwen-2 space probe, which is set to bring back samples from an asteroid for research, has reached its target after traveling 1 billion kilometers (620 million miles) over more than a year, the Chinese space agency said Monday.

Astronomers witness the birth of a magnetar for the first time

Astronomers have, for the first time, observed the birth of a magnetar, an extremely magnetic, rapidly spinning type of neutron star. The breakthrough confirms that these exotic objects can power some of the brightest stellar explosions ever seen.

Israeli command system identified 850,000 targets in Gaza and Lebanon wars, says supplier

Israel identified about 1,000 potential targets a day during the first two years of the wars in Gaza and Lebanon with its command and control system, according to a presentation by the country’s largest arms supplier, Elbit Systems.

Scientists found 45 chemicals in pregnant women and many were linked to birth risks

One of the largest investigations ever conducted into chemical exposure during pregnancy has found that pregnant women regularly encounter dozens of chemicals found in everyday life. Researchers say many of these substances may influence how early a baby is born and how much the baby weighs at birth, both of which can affect health well beyond infancy.

Why Iran may find it difficult to clear its oil inventories even after sanctions relief

This picture taken on March 26, 2026 shows an oil tanker unloading crude oil at a port in Yantai, in China's eastern Shandong province.

CN-STR | Afp | Getty Images

Euclid discovers the most ancient quasars in the universe

Euclid discovers the most ancient quasars in the Universe
This artist's impression shows a quasar: a brief period of life for a big, bright galaxy during which large quantities of material spiral into its central supermassive black hole, releasing energetic light as it does so. Quasars are the most luminous objects in the cosmos, shining hundreds to thousands of times more brightly than entire galaxies. Credit: ESA

The stories behind the biggest British Grand Prix so far

Speed, shots and scoops – stories from Silverstone

Two women in red 'Race Maker' branded polo shirts pose for a photo.Image source, Kris Holland/BBC

Image caption,

Mum and daughter Donna and Millie Wright were among about 700 people who volunteered at the British Grand Prix

'I ate ketchup and cheese': Twelve-year-old Venezuelan rescued after 32 hours under quake rubble

Karina Blanco was just about to start the spinning class she teaches when the earth began to shake. The tremors kept getting stronger, so she grabbed her bag and ran outdoors with everyone else.

Women's T20 Blast: Glamorgan target finals day silverware on home soil

Glamorgan head coach Rachel Priest says it is "really special" to have guided her side to a second successive Women's T20 Blast Finals Day on Sunday, 12 July.

Priest's side rounded off the group stage with a seventh win in eight matches as they comfortably chased down a target of 104 to beat Worcestershire by eight wickets.

Nations Championship: What Argentina-bound Wales learned from Fiji win

One look at the post-match attacking statistics and you would have thought Fiji had won comfortably.

The South Sea Islanders had 167 carries with 674 metres gained, 32 offloads with 24 clean breaks and 42 defenders beaten.