International Asteroid Day is observed on June 30 every year to raise public awareness about the hazards of asteroid impact. The initiative to dedicate a special day was taken as crisis communication action at the global level becomes important in case of a credible near-Earth object threat.
International Asteroid Day 2024: History
On December 6, 2016, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared that International Asteroid Day (IAD) would be observed annually on June 30. The date was chosen as it marks the anniversary of the Tunguska impact over Siberia, Russian Federation, which occurred on June 30, 1908.
International Asteroid Day 2024: Significance
International Asteroid Day is significant because it encourages international collaboration among scientists, researchers, space agencies, governments, and organisations involved in planetary defence. International organisations play a crucial role in identifying and tracking near-Earth objects (NEOs) – asteroids and comets – whose orbits bring them close to Earth.
International Asteroid Day also catalyses advancing technologies related to asteroid detection, tracking, and deflection. By investing in research and development, we can improve our capabilities to identify and mitigate potential asteroid impacts.
Thanks to #PlanetaryDefense efforts at NASA and across the globe, we have discovered over 10,850 near-Earth #asteroids larger than 140 meters, with an estimated 14,000 left to find. ðŸ”
May 2, 2024
Learn more about Planetary Defense @NASA: https://t.co/bwTGGUjVqX pic.twitter.com/G3ECDtWPvLAsteroids Facts
Here are some facts about asteroids:
Asteroids are rocky fragments left over from the formation of the solar system about 4.6 billion years ago.
There are millions of asteroids orbiting the Sun, mostly located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
Most asteroids are irregularly shaped, with some sporting craters and pits from ancient collisions.
Asteroids can range in size from a few metres to hundreds of kilometres across.
Asteroids can pose a threat to Earth if they collide with our planet, potentially causing significant damage.
Over 150 known asteroids have one or even two companion moons, with some even forming binary or triple asteroid systems!
Asteroids don't just orbit the Sun, they also rotate, often erratically, tumbling through space.
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