Asteroid Day marks a decade of planetary defense progress, but scientists say we need more eyes on the sky

Key Points:

• Tuesday marks the 10th anniversary of International Asteroid Day, established by the United Nations in 2016 to raise awareness about asteroid impact risks following the 1908 Tunguska event.
• Scientists report improved planetary defense capabilities over the past decade, including tracking nearly 40,000 near-Earth objects (NEOs) and successfully demonstrating asteroid deflection with NASA's DART mission in 2022.
• Despite progress, experts emphasize the need for enhanced detection systems, highlighting the upcoming launch of NASA's Near-Earth Object Surveyor telescope in 2027, which aims to identify two-thirds of potentially hazardous asteroids.
• The asteroid Apophis, about 1,500 feet wide, will pass unusually close to Earth in April 2029, offering a rare scientific opportunity, though NASA's planned flyby mission was canceled, while the European Space Agency's Ramses mission remains scheduled.
• Researchers stress the importance of continued vigilance and investment in planetary defense to prevent catastrophic impacts, noting that while asteroid threats are inevitable, early detection and response can mitigate harm.