Latest news with #InternationalAsteroidDay
News18
30-06-2025
- Science
- News18
Why is June 30 World Asteroid Day? All You Need to Know and 10 Key Facts
Last Updated: International Asteroid Day is observed to help people understand how dangerous it could be if an asteroid ever hit the Earth. World Asteroid Day 2025: Asteroids are strange space rocks that move around the sun. They aren't planets or comets; they are made of metal, rock, or ice. Some are tiny, like rubble, while others are huge, almost the size of small planets. They don't have any atmosphere, but they can still be very dangerous. If one crashes into Earth, it can cause a lot of harm. That's why it's important to know about them. To help people understand the risks, International Asteroid Day is observed every year on June 30. The day is observed to help people understand how dangerous it could be if an asteroid ever hit the Earth. International Asteroid Day is celebrated every year on June 30. This year, it falls on a Monday. Why is June 30 World Asteroid Day? On June 30, 1908, a massive explosion happened in the sky above a remote forest in Siberia, near the Tunguska River. A giant fireball, believed to be about 50 to 100 meters wide, destroyed around 2,000 square kilometers of forest and flattened nearly 80 million trees. The blast was so powerful that people living 60 km away were knocked off their feet. Even today, the exact cause of this explosion is still a mystery. Some scientists think it was caused by a meteor or a comet, while others believe it could have been a result of a powerful cosmic event. Many also think it might have been an asteroid. Whatever the cause, the explosion released energy about 185 times stronger than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. To raise awareness about such dangers, the United Nations observes June 30 as International Asteroid Day every year. In the past decade, a few asteroids have come very close to Earth, just a few hundred thousand kilometers away. Scientists have also found proof that about 66 million years ago, a huge asteroid hit Earth and wiped out around 75 per cent of all life, including the dinosaurs. International Asteroid Day 2025: All You Need To Know In December 2016, the United Nations officially declared June 30 as International Asteroid Day. This date was chosen to mark the anniversary of the huge asteroid explosion that happened in Siberia on June 30, 1908. The idea for this day came from the Association of Space Explorers and was supported by a UN space committee. The main purpose of International Asteroid Day is to make people aware of how dangerous an asteroid impact can be. Since many people don't know much about asteroids or the risks they bring, the day is used to educate them through events, campaigns, and other activities. International Asteroid Day 2025: 10 Key Facts Asteroids come in many shapes and sizes, and studying them helps scientists learn how the solar system was formed. The first asteroid ever discovered was Ceres, found by Giuseppe Piazzi in 1801. About 65 million years ago, an asteroid hit Earth and started a series of events that led to the extinction of dinosaurs. Most asteroids orbit the Sun in a region called the asteroid belt, which lies between Mars and Jupiter. Some asteroids are the rocky leftovers of comets, after all their ice has melted away. NASA says there are over 1 million asteroids in space. These rocky objects, sometimes called small planets, usually have odd shapes, though a few are almost round. Interestingly, around 150 of them even have their own moons, and some have two! Most asteroids orbit the Sun in a region between Mars and Jupiter, known as the main asteroid belt. The largest one, called Vesta, is about 530 km wide. Asteroid Day is not just about learning what asteroids are—it's also a time to think about how we can protect Earth from a possible asteroid impact in the future. First Published: June 30, 2025, 07:20 IST
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Five famous space rocks
Asteroids are small, rocky objects that orbit the Sun. They are much smaller than planets and are sometimes called minor planets or planetoids. Most asteroids are found in the asteroid belt, a region between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Why do we have a special day to celebrate space rocks? On June 30, 1908, a massive explosion over Tunguska in Siberia flattened approximately 2,150 of forest. This was attributed to the airburst of a small asteroid or comet. In December 2016, the UN General Assembly officially designated June 30 as International Asteroid Day to educate the public about asteroid impact hazards. Let us now look at five famous asteroids. Ceres The largest object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, Ceres holds the distinction of being the first to be discovered, in 1801 by Giuseppe Piazzi. With a diameter of approximately 940 km, it is so massive that it is now classified as a dwarf planet. Ceres has a rocky core and a mantle of water ice. Observations suggest there may be briny water below its surface. Scientists are especially interested in Ceres because it may hold important clues about the early solar system and the origin of water on Earth. Vesta Also known as 4 Vesta, this was formed about 4.56 billion years ago, shortly after the solar system began. This makes it one of the earliest bodies to solidify from the solar nebula. Vesta's age and structure provide crucial insights into planetary formation. NASA's Dawn mission visited the asteroid in 2011 to study this remarkable relic and understand how the early solar system evolved. Eros (433 Eros) Discovered in 1898, Eros is a near-Earth asteroid (NEA) about 34km long. It was the first to be orbited and landed on by a spacecraft: NEAR Shoemaker in 2000–2001. Eros is classified as an S-type asteroid, composed primarily of silicate rock. Its elongated shape and cratered surface provide valuable information about asteroid geology. Itokawa Itokawa is a small peanut-shaped near-Earth asteroid (NEA), just 535m in length. It became famous after Japan's Hayabusa mission successfully collected samples from its surface in 2010; the first such mission in history. Itokawa is a 'rubble pile' asteroid, composed of loose rocks held together by gravity, rather than a solid monolith. 2015 TC25 The smallest known asteroid is 2015 TC25, discovered in October 2015, and measures only about two meters in diameter; roughly the size of a small car. It is an E-type asteroid, known for its bright, reflective surface, and spins incredibly fast, completing one rotation every two minutes. Despite its tiny size, it was detected using ground-based telescopes, highlighting significant advances in observational astronomy.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Asteroid Day Gains Momentum with U.S. Recognition from Flagstaff, Coconino County, U.S. Senate, and Vera C. Rubin Observatory Data Release
LUXEMBOURG, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asteroid Foundation, working in collaboration with B612 Foundation, founding sponsor of Asteroid Day, is proud to announce significant advancements in the global recognition of June 30th as Asteroid Day. Following the United Nations' historic designation of the date as International Asteroid Day in 2016, local and national governments in the United States are now joining in to formally recognize this important awareness initiative. Since its inception, hundreds of independently organized Asteroid Day events have been taking place globally, calling attention to the critical need for awareness of both the dangers and possibilities associated with asteroids. This year, the movement celebrates official recognition from Flagstaff, Arizona, Coconino County, Arizona, and the United States Senate, marking a pivotal moment in bringing asteroid awareness to the forefront of public consciousness in the USA. Notably, these local, city, and national recognitions are the first in the world to highlight the profound importance of Asteroid Day in inspiring the next generation through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) activities. "As a retired astronaut, I know firsthand the importance of space research. Asteroid Day is a critical initiative that not only raises awareness about planetary defense but also ignites curiosity and inspires the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers to pursue careers in STEAM. I'm proud to introduce a resolution recognizing Asteroid Day in the United States Senate," said retired astronaut and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ). The Senate resolution was introduced in partnership with U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). "B612 Foundation, as the founding sponsor of Asteroid Day and a leading voice in asteroid analysis and mapping and planetary defense, championed the development of the 100x Declaration, a call to action that launched the global Asteroid Day movement. 'We are humbled and excited to see that in addition to the United Nations recognizing Asteroid Day on 6 December 2016, both Arizona and the United States government are now following suit,' said Danica Remy, Asteroid Day Co-founder and President of B612. 'I am additionally delighted that the US National Science Foundation and Department of Energy Vera Rubin Observatory is using Asteroid Day to release its first data product for scientists and the public. This growing momentum highlights the critical importance of understanding asteroid risks and opportunities for humanity's future." "This global movement would not have been possible without the visionary leadership of the Government of Luxembourg, particularly the contributions of former Deputy Prime Minister Etienne Schneider, today's CEO of Luxembourg's state innovation agency Luxinnovation Mario Grotz, and today's CEO of Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) Marc Serres. Their efforts, alongside former NASA Ames Director Pete Worden and former Consul General and Executive Director Luxembourg Trade & Investment San Francisco Georges Schmit, as well as the dedicated leadership of the Asteroid Foundation board of directors, have amplified the Asteroid Day program globally," said Markus Payer, Chair of Asteroid Foundation. "The Luxembourg government's invitation to Asteroid Day co-founders, Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart, Danica Remy, Grig Richters and Dr. Brian May, to establish the Asteroid Foundation in Luxembourg in 2017 provided the essential groundwork. This commitment was further solidified by the ongoing leadership of the LSA, which has played an instrumental role in supporting Asteroid Day's global program, alongside Luxembourg's rich local and cross-European in-person year-round initiatives." Asteroid Day serves as a global platform to educate the public about the exciting prospects of asteroid resource utilization and their role in understanding the origins of our universe, while also covering the role of asteroids in our solar system and the science and technology being developed to detect, track, and ultimately mitigate potential threats. About Asteroid Foundation: A Luxembourg based nonprofit, founded 2017, is the home of Asteroid Day and is dedicated to promoting public awareness and education about asteroids and space. Through global events, educational initiatives, and strategic partnerships, the Foundation strives to inspire a greater understanding of asteroids and their significance to our planet and humanity's future in space. For more information, visit or follow on social: Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram. About B612 Foundation: A United States based nonprofit, founded in 2002, develops tools and technologies to understand, map, and navigate our solar system and protect our planet from asteroid impacts through its Asteroid Institute program and supporting educational programs, including Asteroid Day and the Schweickart Prize. Founding Circle and Asteroid Circle members and individual donors from 46 countries support the work financially. For more information, visit or follow on social: Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin or Bluesky. View original content: SOURCE Asteroid Foundation
Cision Canada
25-06-2025
- Science
- Cision Canada
Asteroid Day Gains Momentum with U.S. Recognition from Flagstaff, Coconino County, U.S. Senate, and Vera C. Rubin Observatory Data Release
LUXEMBOURG, June 25, 2025 /CNW/ -- The Asteroid Foundation, working in collaboration with B612 Foundation, founding sponsor of Asteroid Day, is proud to announce significant advancements in the global recognition of June 30th as Asteroid Day. Following the United Nations' historic designation of the date as International Asteroid Day in 2016, local and national governments in the United States are now joining in to formally recognize this important awareness initiative. Since its inception, hundreds of independently organized Asteroid Day events have been taking place globally, calling attention to the critical need for awareness of both the dangers and possibilities associated with asteroids. This year, the movement celebrates official recognition from Flagstaff, Arizona, Coconino County, Arizona, and the United States Senate, marking a pivotal moment in bringing asteroid awareness to the forefront of public consciousness in the USA. Notably, these local, city, and national recognitions are the first in the world to highlight the profound importance of Asteroid Day in inspiring the next generation through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) activities. "As a retired astronaut, I know firsthand the importance of space research. Asteroid Day is a critical initiative that not only raises awareness about planetary defense but also ignites curiosity and inspires the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers to pursue careers in STEAM. I'm proud to introduce a resolution recognizing Asteroid Day in the United States Senate," said retired astronaut and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ). The Senate resolution was introduced in partnership with U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). "B612 Foundation, as the founding sponsor of Asteroid Day and a leading voice in asteroid analysis and mapping and planetary defense, championed the development of the 100x Declaration, a call to action that launched the global Asteroid Day movement. 'We are humbled and excited to see that in addition to the United Nations recognizing Asteroid Day on 6 December 2016, both Arizona and the United States government are now following suit,' said Danica Remy, Asteroid Day Co-founder and President of B612. 'I am additionally delighted that the US National Science Foundation and Department of Energy Vera Rubin Observatory is using Asteroid Day to release its first data product for scientists and the public. This growing momentum highlights the critical importance of understanding asteroid risks and opportunities for humanity's future." "This global movement would not have been possible without the visionary leadership of the Government of Luxembourg, particularly the contributions of former Deputy Prime Minister Etienne Schneider, today's CEO of Luxembourg's state innovation agency Luxinnovation Mario Grotz, and today's CEO of Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) Marc Serres. Their efforts, alongside former NASA Ames Director Pete Worden and former Consul General and Executive Director Luxembourg Trade & Investment San Francisco Georges Schmit, as well as the dedicated leadership of the Asteroid Foundation board of directors, have amplified the Asteroid Day program globally," said Markus Payer, Chair of Asteroid Foundation. "The Luxembourg government's invitation to Asteroid Day co-founders, Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart, Danica Remy, Grig Richters and Dr. Brian May, to establish the Asteroid Foundation in Luxembourg in 2017 provided the essential groundwork. This commitment was further solidified by the ongoing leadership of the LSA, which has played an instrumental role in supporting Asteroid Day's global program, alongside Luxembourg's rich local and cross-European in-person year-round initiatives." Asteroid Day serves as a global platform to educate the public about the exciting prospects of asteroid resource utilization and their role in understanding the origins of our universe, while also covering the role of asteroids in our solar system and the science and technology being developed to detect, track, and ultimately mitigate potential threats. About Asteroid Foundation: A Luxembourg based nonprofit, founded 2017, is the home of Asteroid Day and is dedicated to promoting public awareness and education about asteroids and space. Through global events, educational initiatives, and strategic partnerships, the Foundation strives to inspire a greater understanding of asteroids and their significance to our planet and humanity's future in space. For more information, visit or follow on social: Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
June skygazing: A strawberry moon, the summer solstice… and Asteroid Day!
While the relatively short nights of summer mean less dark skies for stargazing, this month should still provide plenty to occupy those of us given to looking to the sky. June will feature several opportunities to see Mars and the moon in close proximity to Regulus, the iconic blue star(s) that shine from the heart of Leo, along with two weeks' worth of excellent opportunities for observing Mercury. And did you know that June 30 is International Asteroid Day? The first evening of June will find the crescent moon sitting squarely between Mars and Regulus, the brightest member of the constellation Leo. Interesting fact: while it looks like a single object, the blue 'star' we see as Regulus isn't just one star. It's actually four. The largest and brightest, Regulus A, is significantly hotter than our sun and way, way brighter than our sun, and is believed to be in a binary orbit with a much smaller object. This object is most likely a white dwarf, but it has never been observed directly. The other two stars–Regulus B and C–are also dwarf stars, and are also locked in a binary orbit. Anyway, keep Regulus in mind, because we'll be returning to it later in the month. This month, the moon will reach peak illumination in the early hours of June 11. If you're on EDT, the full moon will be at 3:44 a.m. This month's moon is called the Strawberry Moon, and of all the lovely names for the full moon, June's might just be the prettiest. The name refers to the berries that ripen as the summer solstice approaches, not the color of the moon itself, which will remain resolutely silver. Several Native American languages use this term, including Ojibwe, Oneida, and the Mahican dialect of the Stockbridge-Munsee band of Wisconsin. Other languages have similarly poetic names: in the Catawba language it's the 'River Moon' and in Cherokee it's 'They Are Arriving/Plants in Garden are Sprouting Month', while in Seneca and Tunica it's simply the 'Summer Moon.' Our solar system's innermost planet can be difficult to observe—it's small, dim, and a lot of the time, it simply gets lost in the glare of the sun. However, this month marks one of the regular periods when Mercury appears far enough removed from the sun to be visible to the naked eye. Throughout June, Mercury will approach its maximum eastern elongation,the point at which it appears furthest east of the sun. Unfortunately, its magnitude—i.e. its apparent brightness—will decline over the course of the month, and by the time it hits maximum elongation in early July, it'll be dim enough that you might struggle to spot it without the aid of a telescope or some binoculars. This means that mid-June will offer the best balance of elongation and magnitude. As per the ever indispensable Farmer's Almanac, Mercury should be visible between 9:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. local time, low in the sky to the west-northwest. On June 26, it'll peek out from slightly below and to the left of the crescent moon. [ Related: Mercury stuns in incredibly detailed new images. ] So, another thing about Regulus: it sits close to the plane of the solar system, which means that it is often seen in close proximity to the moon and the planets. This month brings one such occasion: for the nights of June 16, 17, and 18, Regulus will appear right next to Mars. The proximity of the Red Planet and the blazing blue heart of the constellation Leo should make for a pretty spectacular celestial juxtaposition. In the Northern Hemisphere, June 20 is the day on which the sun is highest in the sky, aka the summer solstice! This is the day on which the North Pole is tilted most directly toward the sun, bringing 24-hour daylight to the Arctic Circle and the longest day of the year to the rest of the Northern Hemisphere. Summer is here, y'all! [ Related: Agencies plan for near-Earth asteroid's close encounter in 2032. ] June 30 marks the anniversary of the Tunguska Event, a frankly terrifying asteroid strike that remains the largest asteroid impact event in recorded history. On June 30, 1908, an asteroid estimated to be about 160 to 200 feet wide exploded several miles above the surface of a remote area of Siberia. The force of the detonation is estimated to be comparable to between 3 and 50 megatons of TNT, and registered on seismographs around the world. For comparison, the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki had yields of 0.015 and 0.021 megatons, respectively.) The resultant shockwave flattened an estimated 80 million trees over an area of 830 square miles and broke windows hundreds of miles away. In 2014, a group of scientists proposed that June 30 be designated International Asteroid Day. The UN adopted the idea two years later. The day recognizes the potentially calamitous effect of asteroid impacts—what might have happened had the Tunguska asteroid hit a city instead of a barren part of Siberia doesn't really bear thinking about—and to raise awareness about the importance of asteroid-tracking endeavors. Anyway, hopefully June's stargazing endeavors won't reveal any terrifying asteroids hurtling toward us. Whatever you're setting your sights on, though, you'll get the best experience if you get away from any sources of light pollution—and you make sure to check out our stargazing tips before you head off into the darkness. Until next month!
