Asteroid Day was co-founded by astrophysicist and musician Dr. Brian May of the rock band Queen, Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart, filmmaker Grig Richters, and B612 Foundation President Danica Remy, with the hope to educate the public about the importance of asteroids, their role in the formation of our solar system, and the importance of defending
Earth from potential impacts.
 

In 2016, Asteroid Day was sanctioned by the United Nations as an international day of public awareness and education, to be celebrated annually on June 30th, the date of the largest asteroid impact on Earth in recorded history. The aim of Asteroid Day is to educate the public about the risks and opportunities of asteroids by hosting events, providing educational resources, and communicating to both global and local audiences.

Since Asteroid Day was first observed, Lowell Observatory and Meteor Crater have helped bring asteroid science and planetary defense education to the public through programs in northern Arizona.

 

About Lowell Observatory
 

Founded in 1894, Lowell Observatory has played a major role in the discovery and study of small bodies throughout the solar system, including near-Earth asteroids. Today, Lowell astronomers continue to contribute to asteroid detection, tracking, and planetary science research while helping educate the public about asteroid impacts and planetary defense.

 

About Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater is one of the world’s best-preserved asteroid impact sites, formed nearly 50,000 years ago when a large iron asteroid struck northern Arizona. Today, Meteor Crater serves as a globally recognized destination for asteroid science education, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the scale and power of an impact event firsthand.

 

About Meteor Crater Education Alliance
 

Meteor Crater Education Alliance is a nonprofit organization bringing dynamic STEM learning experiences to Arizona and beyond. Working alongside a network of renowned Alliance members— scientific institutions,
educational organizations, and industry partners —they create exciting, hands-on experiences that connect learners with real science, real exploration, and real discovery.

 

About B612 Foundation
 

B612 Foundation combines research, technology, and education to better understand, map, and navigate the solar system and to protect Earth from asteroid impacts. Its flagship program, the Asteroid Institute, leverages
advances in computer science, instrumentation, and astronomy to discover and track asteroids. Through initiatives including the Schweickart Prize, Asteroid Day, the Asteroid Institute Fellows program, and public events, B612 inspires and supports the next generation of STEM leaders.

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Plan your visit to Flagstaff for Asteroid Day: Flagstaff Visitor Guide