Asteroids have struck the Earth in the past…and they will again.
Image credit: ESA

Today is Asteroid Day, observed annually on June 30, and is the United Nations sanctioned day of public awareness of the risks of asteroid impacts. 

The Asteroid Foundation is on a mission to educate the public about the risks and opportunities of asteroids year-round by hosting events, providing educational resources and regular communications to a global audience on multiple digital platforms.

Looking ahead to 2029, the Asteroid Foundation points to a pivotal year for the planetary defense community.

Apophis 2029 – a close encounter of the space rock kindl
Image credit: The International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defense 2029

Apophis approach

In April of that year, the asteroid Apophis (99942), measuring approximately 1,148 feet (350 meters) in diameter, is expected to pass Earth at a distance of only 19,262 miles (31,000 kilometers) away.

In recognition of this historic encounter, the United Nations has proclaimed 2029 the International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defense.

The Asteroid Foundation has already begun intensifying its efforts to support this global initiative.

Image credit: The International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence 2029

Go to resources

To review the history of Asteroid Day, go to this video at:

https://youtu.be/ZPCt5t_PZHM

For more details regarding Asteroid Day, go to:

https://asteroidday.org/

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