Asteroid Day, recognized by the United Nations and celebrated on June 30, aims to raise awareness about the risks of asteroid impacts. The initiative, led by physicist Stephen Hawking and others, calls for the detection and tracking of Near-Earth Asteroids, a rapid increase in discovery efforts, and global adoption of the event. Various activities and events are being held worldwide to mark the occasion, including discussions, lectures, and live streams.
Asteroid Day 2023 is a global awareness movement focused on educating people about asteroids and the importance of protecting our planet from potential impacts. This year's events include online and worldwide activities, with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory creating a webpage filled with educational resources. The significance of June 30 is highlighted, as it marks the anniversary of the Tunguska Event in 1908, the largest modern-day impact event that devastated a large area in Russia. Efforts by organizations like the United Nations and the B612 Foundation are working towards developing defensive capabilities and improving asteroid detection. Key highlights in planetary defense include the establishment of NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office, interagency exercises, the approval of the NEO Surveyor space-based telescope mission, the successful impact of NASA's DART mission, and the active participation of citizen astronomers in making real-time observations. The article emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and action to prevent catastrophic events like the extinction of the dinosaurs.
