International Asteroid Day 2024: Date, History, Significance And How To Observe It

International Asteroid Day is observed annually on June 30 to increase public awareness about the dangers posed by asteroid impacts and to educate people on global crisis communication strategies in the event of a near-Earth object (NEO) threat.

History of International Asteroid Day

In December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly established June 30 as International Asteroid Day through resolution A/RES/71/90. This date marks the anniversary of the Tunguska impact, which occurred in Siberia, Russia, on June 30, 1908. The resolution was proposed by the Association of Space Explorers and supported by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).

Significance and background

NEOs, which include asteroids and comets that come close to Earth's orbit, pose significant threats. NASA's Center for NEO Studies reports that over 16,000 near-Earth asteroids have been discovered. The Tunguska event in 1908 remains the largest recorded asteroid impact on Earth, causing widespread devastation over a remote area in Siberia.

Another significant event occurred on February 15, 2013, when a large fireball, known as a "superbolide," exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia. This object entered the atmosphere at a speed of 18.6 kilometers per second, disintegrating with an estimated diameter of 18 meters and a mass of 11,000 tons. The impact energy was approximately 440 kilotons of TNT, making it the most powerful impact event since Tunguska.

Why observe International Asteroid Day?

International Asteroid Day aims to educate the public about the potential hazards of asteroid impacts and to promote the development of emergency response strategies. By raising awareness, the day encourages global cooperation and preparedness to address possible NEO threats effectively.

Understanding these dangers and learning about the necessary actions to take can help mitigate the risks posed by asteroid impacts, ensuring a safer future for our planet.