International Asteroid Day

International Asteroid Day is a global event that aims to raise awareness about the potential threat posed by asteroids and the importance of protecting our planet from these celestial bodies. It is an occasion for experts, enthusiasts, and laypeople to come together and discuss asteroid-related issues, such as detection, tracking, and response strategies. The observance promotes international cooperation and encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to take action in reducing the risk of an asteroid impact.

The awareness day was established in 2014, following the release of a documentary entitled 51 Degrees North. The film focused on the real dangers posed by asteroid impacts and underscored the need for increased attention on this issue. The country is home to numerous observatories and has a long history of involvement and interest in matters related to space exploration, thus it is vital for South Africans to engage in discussions surrounding this topic. International Asteroid Day can serve as an opportunity for South Africans to learn about the latest developments in asteroid detection, mitigation, and deflection technologies, which are critical to protecting ourselves and our planet.

In South Africa, International Asteroid Day is typically marked by a series of educational events and activities designed to inform the public about the issue. These may include conferences, workshops, lectures, and exhibitions focusing on asteroids, their potential dangers, and the means to defend against them. Observatories, universities, research institutes, and museums across the country often organize events, encouraging people of all ages to engage with and learn about this important global subject. The Observance takes place every year on June 30th, marking the anniversary of the largest asteroid impact in recent history, the 1908 Tunguska event in Siberia.