New Delhi | Jagran Lifestyle Desk: World Asteroid Day 2021 is celebrated on June 30 to aware people across the globe regarding the asteroid and its hazardous effects. Also known as International Asteroid Day, it underlines the importance and role played by asteroids in our solar system. This day was initiated by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2016 and declared June 30 as Asteroid Day.
World Asteroid Day: History
On June 30 in 1908, the most harmful known asteroid-related event took place which was the Siberian Tunguska event. And it's the anniversary of this event, that World Asteroid Day is observed annually.
In December 2016 the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/71/90 and declared June 30 as International Asteroid Day. This was to make people aware about the asteroid impact hazards.
On the proposal by the Association of Space Explorers, which was endorsed by committee on the Peaceful uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), The General Assembly decision was taken.
World Asteroid Day: Significance
100X Declaration is a declaration which is created by the workgroup of Asteroid Day, it appeals that not only specialists but everyone can sign this declaration. Asteroid Day and 100X Declaration are for the public to make them realize that asteroids hit the Earth all the time and about Earth's vulnerability. The aim of the International Asteroid Day is to spread awareness about asteroid impact hazards and to inform them about the crisis communication for actions which are to be taken in case of credible Near - Earth object threat. Near - Earth objects ( NEOS ) are asteroid or comet, which are passing very close to Earth's orbit.
The United Nations Office for the Outer Space Affairs ( UNOOSA ), which worked on NEOs has demanded an international response. On this recommendation, endorsed by the committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space ( COPUOS ) Iin 2013, the International Asteroid Warning Network ( IAWN ) and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group ( SMPAG ) were established in 2014. International Days are occasions to educate the public on globally concerned issues. Asteroids are going to play a big role in future exploration of space. Asteroid Day is observed to promote worldwide awareness and to educate the public about asteroids opportunity and risks.
World Asteroid Day: Celebration