What is National asteroid day?
WORLD ASTEROID DAY 2022: Asteroids are the
celestial rocks that are smaller than a planet but revolve
around the sun like them. They are leftovers from the
formation of our solar system and can be as small
as 10 meters across or as huge as 530 km in diameter.
While most of the asteroids don’t pose a threat to
our planet and the life thriving on it, some are not
that innocuous and can cause a catastrophe if they
collide with Earth. Hence, June 30 is observed as
the International Asteroid Day annually to raise
awareness on the risks of an asteroid impact.
WORLD ASTEROID DAY: HISTORY
In December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly
adopted resolution A/RES/71/90 and designated June 30
as the International Asteroid Day. The date was chosen
to observe the anniversary of the Tunguska asteroid
impact over Siberia, on June 30, 1908. The idea to
mark the day was proposed by the Association of
Space Explorers which was endorsed by the
Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
WORLD ASTEROID DAY: SIGNIFICANCE
The International Asteroid Day is aimed at
creating awareness of the destruction that can be
caused in the event of an asteroid impact. As many
remain oblivious about asteroids and the risks they
pose to the planet, it becomes crucial to familiarize
them with the threats through events, campaigns,
and more.
WORLD ASTEROID DAY: CELEBRATIONS
Several organizations are working to spread awareness
of the risks posed by asteroids with B612 being
one of them. The day is celebrated by organizing
events, distributing educational material, and running
online campaigns among others.
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