International Asteroid Day
A global day raising awareness of the risks posed by asteroid impacts and the international scientific efforts to detect and mitigate them.
Date30 June
TopicScience & Technology
Established2016
Ways to observe this day
- Watch a lecture or documentary about space science and asteroids
- Spend an evening stargazing and learning about near-Earth objects
- Share simple facts about asteroids and astronomy with children
In December 2016, the UN General Assembly proclaimed June 30 as International Asteroid Day, based on a proposal by the Association of Space Explorers endorsed by the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. The date commemorates the 1908 Tunguska event in Siberia, Russia, the largest recorded asteroid impact in modern history.
While major asteroid impacts on Earth are rare, scientists continue to track thousands of near-Earth objects to assess potential risks. Space agencies and research centers around the world collaborate on early-detection technologies and methods for deflecting hazardous asteroids if necessary.
The day aims to boost public awareness of space science and asteroid risks, encourage international cooperation on planetary defense, and inspire new generations to take an interest in astronomy and space exploration.
