NASA preps key piece of Artemis IV moon rocket for lunar mission | Space photo of the day for July 17, 2025

Just days after blasting off, China's Tianwen 2 spacecraft has already sent back breathtaking photos of Earth and the moon from deep space—like a cosmic postcard showing our planet and its lunar companion in striking detail. The images offer a rare glimpse of the mission's early success as it heads toward its ultimate goal: collecting samples from a near-Earth asteroid.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a pretty space snapshot—it’s proof that China’s ambitious asteroid mission is off to a strong start. Successful early imaging suggests the spacecraft’s systems are working as planned, boosting confidence in the mission’s next steps. For space enthusiasts, it’s also a reminder of how far robotic exploration has come, turning what was once sci-fi into real, shareable moments.

The BBC's Inside Science segment explores innovative ways to adapt our homes to a warming planet, from cutting-edge cooling tech to safety tweaks that help us stay comfortable (and safe) as temperatures rise. Think smarter designs, energy hacks, and maybe even a few surprises—because science isn’t just for labs anymore.

Editor’s Note: As heatwaves become more intense, this isn’t just about comfort—it’s about survival. These solutions could lower energy bills, reduce strain on power grids, and even save lives during extreme weather. Worth a read if you’ve ever sweated through a summer night or worried about your home’s resilience.

Rebecca Romijn and Christina Chong dish on their characters' standout moments in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3, teasing Una’s rare but satisfying assertiveness and La’an’s personal growth. The actors hint at deeper layers for both characters, promising fans more dynamic storytelling ahead.

Editor’s Note: For Star Trek fans, this isn’t just another season—it’s a chance to see beloved characters like Una and La’an evolve in unexpected ways. Romijn’s tease about Una flexing her authority and Chong’s nod to La’an’s journey suggest the show is doubling down on character depth, which is catnip for viewers who love rich sci-fi storytelling. If you’re invested in this crew’s dynamics, Season 3 sounds like it’ll deliver.

If you're looking to dive into stargazing without the hassle of bulky equipment, this roundup of the best tabletop telescopes for 2025 has you covered. These compact, user-friendly picks are perfect for beginners and seasoned skywatchers alike—just plop them on a table, and you're ready to explore the cosmos.

Editor’s Note: Stargazing can feel intimidating with all the gear out there, but this list simplifies the process by highlighting telescopes that balance portability and performance. Whether you're a curious newbie or a pro wanting a low-fuss option, these picks make it easier to enjoy the night sky without a steep learning curve.

Geoengineering and cloud seeding sound like sci-fi concepts, but they're real—and increasingly relevant as the world scrambles for climate solutions. Geoengineering involves large-scale interventions (like reflecting sunlight back into space), while cloud seeding tweaks weather patterns by adding particles to clouds to boost rain or snow. Both could help cool the planet or ease droughts, but critics worry about unintended consequences, like messing with ecosystems or giving polluters an excuse to slack on emissions cuts. This isn’t just theory—countries like China and the UAE are already testing these ideas.

Editor’s Note: As climate change accelerates, these controversial tools are moving from fringe ideas to serious policy debates. They’re not silver bullets—some fear they could backfire or distract from cutting fossil fuels—but with global temperatures rising, the conversation is shifting from "Should we?" to "How carefully can we?" It’s a high-stakes gamble: tampering with nature might buy time, but the risks could be as big as the rewards.