World Asteroid Day is observed on June 30 to commemorate the Tunguska event in 1908, a massive asteroid explosion that flattened 2,000 square kilometers of forest. The event, considered the largest asteroid impact in recent Earth history, was initially overlooked due to its remoteness. It wasn’t until 1927 that a scientific expedition reached the site and found extensive evidence of the asteroid’s impact.
The day aims to educate the public about asteroid risks and encourages investment in space science and technology. World Asteroid Day also promotes strategies for asteroid detection, tracking, and deflection. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event, which was declared International Asteroid Day by the United Nations General Assembly in 2016.
The UN’s declaration recognized the global importance of asteroid impact awareness and cooperation to prevent potential threats. In 2029, the International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence has been declared, coinciding with the close approach of asteroid 99942 Apophis. On April 13, 2029, Apophis will safely pass within 32,000 kilometers of Earth’s surface, offering a rare opportunity for scientists to study asteroids.
NASA’s DART mission has already tested planetary defence strategies by intentionally crashing a spacecraft into an asteroid. The close approach of Apophis provides a unique chance to study asteroids and further develop strategies for asteroid detection and deflection.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/science/heres-why-june-30-is-celebrated-as-world-asteroid-day-8793750