In a move to officially recognize the importance of space science and planetary defense, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a retired NASA astronaut, has partnered with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) to introduce a new resolution calling for June 30 to be designated as National Asteroid Day. This resolution underscores a decade-long effort to raise public understanding of asteroids, and it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the global Asteroid Day initiative, as reported by Kelly's office.
Senator Kelly has been closely involved with space exploration throughout his career and was one of the original signatories of the 100X Declaration that inaugurated Asteroid Day in 2015. He noted, “Asteroid Day is more than just a reminder about why planetary defense matters, it’s an opportunity to ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers,” according to his Senate office. His resolution aims to formally acknowledge the event in the United States Senate for the first time.
Local leaders have expressed strong support for the designation of National Asteroid Day. Becky Daggett, Mayor of City of Flagstaff, recognizes the city's contribution to planetary research and said, “We extend sincere thanks to our own Astronaut, Senator Kelly, for his leadership and steadfast support of ongoing scientific discovery.” The city is home to Northern Arizona University and Lowell Observatory, entities deeply involved in NASA’s planetary defense mission.
Additionally, Coconino County Supervisor Patrice Horstman highlighted the value of astro-tourism to the area's economy and expressed gratitude toward visionaries like Gene and Carolyn Shoemaker for their role in shaping the field of planetary geology. “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Asteroid Day, this milestone offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the remarkable progress we’ve made in raising public awareness about asteroids,” Horstman stated. The importance of Asteroid Day was echoed by Matt Kent, President and CEO of Meteor Crater and Barringer Space Museum, who mentioned the site as a "unparalleled teaching tool" for understanding the impact of asteroids.
Voices from the astronaut community also amplified the importance of the resolution. Apollo 9 Astronaut Rusty Schweickart praised Kelly for his "vital leadership" in championing the resolution. Steven Smith, a NASA astronaut born in Phoenix, elevated the importance of technological advancements in aerospace, which not only contribute to scientific understanding but propel business and industry-led growth in this realm. And Thomas David Jones, another NASA astronaut, channeled a sense of grand potential within the day, asserting that “with Arizona at the forefront of understanding and expanding our knowledge of asteroids and the solar system, let’s use this day to inspire the next generation here to look up, dream big, and explore paths that guard our planet and shape our future in space,” as noted in the press release.
Concluding the widespread support for National Asteroid Day, Danica Remy, Co-founder and President of B612 Foundation, emphasized the inspirational purpose of the event, particularly the potential to encourage educators to engage youth in asteroid science. The resolution and supporting comments highlight the collective aim to raise awareness of potential asteroid threats while celebrating the scientific and technological strides in this field. The recognition of Asteroid Day thus not only commemorates past discoveries but also propels future endeavors that can safeguard our place in the cosmos.
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