International Asteroid Day
Welcome!
This virtual exhibit offers an introduction to International Asteroid Day, a global holiday to raise awareness about asteroids and the potential hazards of asteroid impacts with Earth. Students, beginner researchers, and interested members of the public will find helpful introductory information as well as guidance on government resources related to asteroids and International Asteroid Day.
Please enjoy the exhibit!
Asteroid Vesta, taken by NASA's Dawn spacecraft.
Tunguska Impact Site
What is International Asteroid Day?
International Asteroid Day (celebrated annually on June 30th) is a global holiday first co-founded by prominent scientists and other interested parties and recognized by the United Nations in 2016. Its primary goal is to raise awareness and public support for efforts to study asteroids and design impact prevention strategies. Organizers selected June 30th in remembrance of the Siberian Tugunska event, a 1908 meteroid explosion in Russia's Eastern Siberian Taiga which caused damage across 830 square miles. The Tugunska event was the largest impact event in recorded history.
Resources
UN Resolution Declaring International Asteroid Day
UN Resolution Declaring International Asteroid Day
Near-Earth Objects and Planetary Defense
Informational brochure from the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs
UN International Asteroid Day Webpage
The UN webpage offers additional background information as well as relevant documents and related links.
Asteroidday.org
Website dedicated to International Asteroid Day. Offers historical context, guidance to locating local and virtual Asteroid Day events, and "Asteroid Day TV," streaming relevant content in the days leading up to June 30.
Asteroid Day 100x Declaration
The text of the original 2014 declaration, co-signers, and history from AsteroidDay.org. The declaration founds International Asteroid Day and commits to increased asteroid discovery and public awareness efforts.
UIUC Astronomy Research Resources
A library guide from UIUC for Astronomy Research resources, including sources for related US government documents.
