Chabot Space & Science Center and B612 Foundation invite the public to a full day of presentations and activities marking the 9th annual “International Asteroid Day” on Saturday, June 29. Featured guests include NASA astronauts Rusty Schweickart, Steve Smith and Nicole Stott, who will give illustrated talks, greet the public, sign books, and be available for photos.
The astronauts will be joined by other experts and scientists, including astronomer and YouTuber Scott Manley and Chabot astronomer Gerald McKeegan to engage, educate and inspire about asteroids and space. The program aims to highlight the importance and impact of space on Earth and attract a wide audience to learn about asteroids and the science and business of space.
Asteroid Day Activities include:
- Astronaut Steve Smith talk: An astronaut’s journey: childhood dreams to riding rockets
- Astronaut Nicole Smith talk: Earth from Space
- Astronaut Rusty Schweickart Award: Inspiring the next generation of planetary defenders
- Take photos with astronauts
- Design art that could end up in space
- Learn about B612’s Asteroid Institute in person
- Check out the new NASA Ames Visitor Center
- Have your own copy of Nicole Stott’s book Back to Earth signed in person
Asteroid Day is a United Nations-sanctioned global awareness campaign participated annually on June 30, the anniversary of the 1908 Tunguska meteor airburst event. Co-founded in 2014 by astrophysicist and Queen guitarist Dr. Brian May, Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart, filmmaker Grig Richters, and B612 Foundation President Danica Remy.
“It is an honor to partner with B612 Foundation and to host such an inspiring group of astronauts, scientists and experts for our observation of Asteroid Day,” says Adam Tobin, Executive Director of Chabot Space & Science Center. “Asteroid Day is a wonderful opportunity to inspire our communities about the awe and wonder of space and for our young people to ignite their curiosity and see themselves as the scientists of the future.”
As part of the day, the B612 Foundation, in partnership with Chabot, will present the first winner of the Schweickart Prize, honoring graduate students with innovative ideas and leadership potential in planetary defense fields. The winner, alongside astronauts, will receive the prize and a $10,000 check.
“Chabot’s long-standing leadership in advancing space and science education for the Bay Area makes it the perfect venue to unveil the winner of the first Schweickart Prize and to celebrate Asteroid Day,” says Danica Remy, President of the B612 Foundation. “Together with Chabot in 2007, Rusty Schweickart and others helped launch critical work at the United Nations level to advance the global dialogue about protecting our planet from asteroid impacts.”
A schedule of Asteroid Day events and activities may be found at www.ChabotSpace.org. Activities are included with regular Chabot admission.
Asteroid Day
Saturday, Jun 29
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
