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Every year, the entire world celebrates World Asteroid Day on June 30. (Image: Shutterstock)
Asteroids can range in size from as small as 10 meters in diameter to as large as 530 km in diameter.
Asteroids are small rocky objects that orbit the Sun. Although they move in a similar way to other planets around the Sun, they are much smaller. Asteroids can be of various sizes, from as small as 10 meters in diameter to as large as 530 km in diameter. Asteroids are remnants from the formation of our solar system that move around the system. While most asteroids are harmless, some of them can cause a catastrophe if they hit Earth. Every year, June 30 is celebrated as World Asteroid Day to raise awareness of the impact of a catastrophe if an asteroid hits Earth.
Because asteroids form at the same time as planets, they can provide a lot of evidence about other planets and their formation.
World Asteroid Day 2024: History
The origin of World Asteroid Day dates back to a film titled '51 Degrees North' which explored what would happen if an asteroid hit London.
To raise awareness about the asteroid threat, the film's creative team (many of whom are scientists) formed a foundation and, in 2015, celebrated the world's first International Asteroid Day.
Later in 2016, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to celebrate June 30 as International Asteroid Day. The day aims to identify the impact of an asteroid collision with Earth.
World Asteroid Day 2024: meaning
World Asteroid Day is celebrated annually to create an understanding of the impact of asteroids on Earth. The day also aims to understand, discuss and accelerate the process of locating new asteroids in the solar system.
Over the years, scientists have discovered many asteroids in space. However, they claim that many of them are yet to be discovered.
According to the UN website, the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) employs well-defined communication strategies and procedures that help governments analyze the impact of asteroids on Earth and how to address them.
World Asteroid Day 2024: How to celebrate
- Educate yourselfLearn more about asteroids, comets, and near-Earth objects (NEOs) by visiting the NASA or B612 Foundation websites.
- attend an eventMany organizations around the world organize asteroid-related events and activities on or around World Asteroid Day. You can find a list of events on the World Asteroid Day website.
- Share in social networksUse the hashtag #WorldAsteroidDay to share information about asteroids and planetary defense on social media.
