- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- EnvironmentHistoricalTechnology
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every March 23
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- ☄️
Near Miss Day, observed every March 23, reminds us of humanity’s close call with asteroid 4581 Asclepius in 1989. This day sparks gratitude for our planet’s continued safety and encourages global conversations about planetary defense. Explore the science behind near-Earth objects, learn about current monitoring efforts, and appreciate our place in the cosmos.
Want to sponsor Near Miss Day? Learn how
Expected Near Miss Day Deals
Near Miss Day inspires reflection on global safety and planetary defense, rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the Planetary Society and the B612 Foundation often use this period to raise awareness and funds for asteroid detection and deflection research. Look for opportunities to donate to these vital causes or participate in educational webinars hosted by institutions like NASA and university astronomy departments. We will update this page with confirmed awareness campaigns and scientific outreach events as March 23 approaches.
Platform Guide for Near Miss Day
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NearMissDay. Share scientific facts about asteroids or discuss planetary defense initiatives.
YouTube
Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Watch documentaries on asteroid impacts or interviews with astronomers.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NearMissDay. Share articles on space exploration or organize a virtual discussion group.
Near Miss Day Hero
Eugene Shoemaker
History of Near Miss Day
Ever wondered what an asteroid is? Asteroids are rocks that were formed after the formation of our solar system — they are the leftovers of a great process. Asclepius is an asteroid with a diameter of 0.431 kilometers, comparable to the size of a football field.
On March 22, 1989, Asclepius passed by the Earth at a distance of almost 500,000 miles. However, scientists only discovered this after nine days. Many geophysicists believe that the collision of Asclepius with the Earth would have wreaked havoc, resulting in the release of energy comparable to a 600 megaton atomic bomb!
The reason this day has great importance is that the Earth nearly escaped from an apocalypse. We all got a second chance at life. This event changed our perspective on cosmic influences — it made us realize that humankind has absolutely no control over the universe.
Since that day, there have been advanced changes in space programs. Missions were organized and space shuttles were sent to nearby planets to study life on them. Near Miss Day also reminds us that asteroids and meteors can lead to the extinction of the Earth and the human race.
Near Miss Day timeline
The asteroid Asclepius passes by Earth at a distance of almost 500,000 miles.
The American astronomers Henry Holt and Norman Thomas discover that Asclepius had passed by the Earth.
Scientists find a third asteroid to come very close to hitting the Earth again, although the chances are slim.
A year after the discovery of Asclepius, scientists confirm its diameter to be between 300 m and 800 m.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Near Miss Day
Local businesses can mark Near Miss Day by promoting awareness of space and science. Bookstores could feature sections on astronomy and planetary defense. Science museums or planetariums could host special talks or screenings about asteroids and space exploration. Even local cafes could offer ‘Cosmic Coffee’ specials, donating a portion of sales to space research organizations like The Planetary Society to engage customers in a meaningful cause.
Near Miss Day FAQs
When is Near Miss Day?
In 2027, Near Miss Day is observed on Tuesday, March 23. It’s a day to reflect on planetary defense and express gratitude for Earth’s safety.
What happened on Near Miss Day?
The original Near Miss Day event in 1989 involved an asteroid that, if it had struck Earth, would have caused catastrophic damage. The close proximity highlighted the importance of tracking near-Earth objects.
How many asteroids are near Earth?
As of early 2027, the number of known Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) continues to grow with ongoing surveys. While many pass by Earth, the vast majority are small and pose no threat, with larger, potentially hazardous asteroids being carefully monitored.
What is planetary defense?
At its core, planetary defense involves an international collaboration of scientists and engineers working to prevent a catastrophic asteroid impact. This field encompasses everything from advanced telescope surveys to theoretical and experimental missions like NASA’s DART.
How To Observe Near Miss Day
Learn about Asteroids
This Near Miss Day, educate yourself about asteroids and meteors. Explore them, their orbits, and their sizes. You can read up on asteroids on NASA’s official website.
Share the story of this day
Share the story of Near Miss Day with the world and the impact the asteroid could have had on the Earth. Search for other such moments in history and then spread the word.
Be Grateful
Make and share videos of yourself, explaining how grateful you are to get a second chance at life. Share your videos on social media using different hashtags and encourage others to do the same.
5 Interesting Facts About Near Miss Day
Asclepius was not noticed
Radars and telescopes were not able to detect the asteroid.
Largest-known asteroid
Ceres is known to be the largest asteroid.
Discovery of the term ‘asteroid’
William Herschel was the first to name these huge rocks ‘asteroids.’
A meteoroid falls every year
Every year, a meteoroid about the size of a car crosses the Earth’s orbit.
Number of asteroids in the solar system
There are 600,000 asteroids present in the solar system.
Why We Love Near Miss Day
We almost escaped destruction
Although it is a bit odd to celebrate something that never happened, a huge asteroid missing the Earth by almost 500,000 miles is something to be grateful for!
Advancements in science
Near Miss Day gave us a reality check that the Earth is not invincible and is subjected to many factors. It encouraged scientists to invent more advanced space programs, radar systems, and telescopes to keep a check on these objects.
Realization of living life to its fullest
Since we got another chance at life, this day makes us realize to live a joyful life without any stress and enjoy time with our loved ones. It is time to make all your wishes come true!
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