On June 30, 2024, the world will unite once again for the 10th annual Asteroid Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about asteroids and advocating for planetary defence strategies. This international event, recognised by the United Nations General Assembly since 2016, commemorates the Tunguska event of 1908, underscoring the potential threat posed by asteroids to Earth.
Asteroid Day 2024 will feature a diverse array of activities designed to engage the public and scientific community alike. Central to the festivities is “Asteroid Day LIVE,” a marathon 24-hour broadcast produced by the Asteroid Foundation in Luxembourg. The program will include insights from astronauts, experts, and celebrities, highlighting the latest developments in asteroid research and planetary defence measures.
In addition to the global broadcast, Luxembourg will host the Asteroid Day Space Lecture and a public Asteroid Day Festival, both of which will be live-streamed worldwide. Simultaneously, thousands of independently organised events across the globe will further amplify the campaign’s message.
One of the highlights of Asteroid Day 2024 will be the live online viewing of asteroid (415029) 2011 UL21, a significant celestial visitor that will pass relatively close to Earth. Hosted by the Virtual Telescope Project, this event provides a rare opportunity for enthusiasts and experts to observe one of the largest asteroids approaching our planet.
Asteroids, rocky remnants from the formation of the solar system, vary greatly in size. Some, like the asteroid (415029) 2011 UL21, can be several kilometres in diameter, dwarfing even the largest man-made structures on Earth. For comparison, the asteroid that caused the Tunguska event in 1908 was estimated to be around 50-60 meters in size, releasing energy equivalent to a large nuclear explosion upon impact with Earth’s atmosphere.
The importance of planetary defence against asteroids was underscored by more recent events, such as the Chelyabinsk meteor in 2013. This relatively small asteroid, approximately 20 meters in diameter, exploded over Russia with the force of several atomic bombs, injuring hundreds and damaging thousands of buildings.
Throughout the day, discussions will emphasise the importance of space exploration and scientific research to enhance our understanding of asteroids and mitigate potential risks they pose. The initiative aims not only to inform but also to inspire collaborative efforts amongst nations and institutions toward safeguarding Earth from future asteroid impacts. As humanity faces the challenges of an interconnected world, Asteroid Day 2024 serves as a poignant reminder of our shared responsibility to protect our planet and explore the vast reaches of space.
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