CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: From the extinction of dinosaurs to planetary defence, the Regional Science Centre, Bhopal, has invited citizens to take part in International Asteroid Day 2026.
Could an asteroid strike Earth again in the future? How do scientists identify potentially hazardous space rocks? What exactly caused the extinction of the dinosaurs?
Visitors will be able to find answers to these engaging questions at the Regional Science Centre, Bhopal, on the occasion of International Asteroid Day 2026, to be organised on June 30, 2026, Tuesday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Observed across the world every year on June 30, International Asteroid Day commemorates the largest recorded asteroidal event in history, which occurred in the Tunguska region of Siberia in 1908. The day aims to raise public awareness about asteroids, planetary defence and the global scientific efforts being made to protect Earth from possible asteroid impacts in the future.
The main attraction of this year’s event will be a special exhibition titled “Space Rocks and Survival: From Dinosaur Extinction to Planetary Defence.” Through the exhibition, visitors will experience a journey through space dating back billions of years and learn how asteroids played a significant role in the evolution of our solar system, provided important clues about the origin of planets and influenced events that changed the history of life on Earth, including the mass extinction of dinosaurs. The exhibition will also show how major space agencies around the world are working together to identify potentially hazardous asteroids, monitor them continuously and, if required, alter their path.
To develop curiosity about space science among young students, several participatory activities will be organised as part of the programme. Students of Classes 7 to 10 will learn through the “Direct Asteroid Search Activity” how astronomers use scientific techniques to discover near-Earth asteroids. For students of Classes 6 to 8, the “Make Your Own Amazing Asteroid” activity will be conducted. In addition, the “Crater Impact Demonstration” will show through a live demonstration how huge craters are formed when asteroids strike the surface of a planet or satellite.
The special exhibition will remain open throughout the day for visitors of all age groups. Families, students, teachers, science clubs, educational institutions and all citizens interested in space science have been invited to participate in the special event and explore the fascinating world of asteroids through interactive exhibits, engaging demonstrations and scientific facts.
In recent years, global interest in asteroid research has continued to grow because of NASA’s DART mission and asteroid sample-return missions conducted by various space agencies around the world. At such a time, International Asteroid Day provides an important opportunity to understand why these small rocks seen in space are so scientifically important and how their study is helping humanity understand its past while moving towards securing its future.
The Regional Science Centre, Bhopal, has urged all students, teachers, parents, science enthusiasts, tourists and general citizens to participate in large numbers in this unique science festival.
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