Archive · 29 Jun 2025
World Asteroid Day Marks Tunguska Anniversary; Promotes Awareness
Imagine a giant space rock crashing into Earth a long time ago – that's what happened in the Tunguska event, which is why we celebrate World Asteroid Day.
This day reminds us of the dangers space rocks pose.
Scientists study asteroids to protect our planet by learning how to spot and deflect them.
The UN has declared June 30th as a day to think about this.
In 2029, a big asteroid named Apophis will zoom really close to Earth, giving scientists a chance to study it up close and improve our understanding of planetary defense strategies.
NASA has already tested ways to push asteroids away from Earth!
World Asteroid Day is celebrated on June 30 to commemorate the Tunguska event of 1908.
The Tunguska event was a massive asteroid explosion over Siberia, considered the largest asteroid impact in recent history.
World Asteroid Day aims to raise public awareness about asteroid risks and encourage investment in space science.
The UN declared June 30 International Asteroid Day in December 2016 to recognize the need for asteroid impact awareness.
The UN has declared 2029 as the International Year of Asteroid Awareness, coinciding with asteroid Apophis's close approach to Earth.
- Who
- The world celebrates World Asteroid Day, with a resolution from the UN.
- What
- World Asteroid Day commemorates the Tunguska event and raises awareness about asteroid risks.
- When
- June 30th is celebrated annually as World Asteroid Day, also in 2029 the International Year of Asteroid Awareness begins.
- Where
- The Tunguska event occurred over Siberia, Russia. Asteroid Apophis will come close to Earth.
- Why
- To remember the Tunguska event and promote awareness, investment, and strategies for asteroid detection and defense.
- Event Commemorated
- Tunguska event
- Date of Tunguska Event
- June 30, 1908
- International Asteroid Day
- June 30
- UN Resolution
- A/RES/71/90
- Asteroid Apophis Diameter
- Approximately 340 meters
- Apophis Close Approach
- April 13, 2029