Worldwide Asteroid Day Events Raise Impact Awareness

Asteroid Day 2025 is a global event observed annually on June 30 to raise awareness about the risks and scientific importance of asteroids, commemorating the 1908 Tunguska event when an asteroid airburst devastated a large area in Siberia. The day was co-founded in 2014 by astrophysicist and Queen guitarist Brian May, Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart, and others, with the United Nations formally recognizing it in 2016. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Asteroid Day, with celebrations including a special event in Yucatán, Mexico, near the Chicxulub crater formed by the asteroid impact that contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Other notable events include programs in Arizona at Meteor Crater, as well as international educational activities such as those hosted by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. The global campaign emphasizes the importance of asteroid research for planetary defense, space exploration, and public education to prepare for potential asteroid threats. Asteroid Day continues to unite scientists, educators, astronauts, and space agencies worldwide to promote monitoring and understanding of Near-Earth Objects.