Each scar on Earth from a meteorite impact tells a story—from the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs to the lesser-known craters that dot the planet. Asteroid Day highlights ongoing research into asteroids and the potential threats they pose. Started in 2015 and backed by the United Nations, this day marks the anniversary of the Tunguska event—a massive explosion that occurred in Siberia on June 30, 1908. This explosion flattened over 800 square miles of Siberian forest near the Tunguska River. The blast released energy equal to 10–15 megatons of trinitrotoluene (TNT), a standard measure of explosive force. Since then, craters like Arizona"s Barringer, Quebec"s Manicouagan and others have helped scientists study what happens when space rocks hit Earth.
Asteroid Day
Today in History
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Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell, Ibiza, Spain
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The Matterhorn reflected in Lake Stellisee, Zermatt, Switzerland
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Polar bear in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
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Mona Vale rockpool, Sydney, Australia
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World Whale Day
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Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands, Norway
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English National Ballet performing The Nutcracker
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International Mountain Day
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Snow glow
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Bernina Pass, Graubünden, Switzerland
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Swedish wilderness
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Wasson Peak, Saguaro National Park, Arizona, United States
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Saint Georges Day
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An island crossroad of culture
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Prayer flags in Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
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Edinburgh Festival Fringe
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International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples
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Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California, United States
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In fine feather
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A delta in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy
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Home of the worst-smelling food?
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Like paint on a canvas
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Fibonacci Day
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Crystal clear
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A world within a world
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Eurasian red squirrel in Northumberland, England
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The world’s greatest oasis?
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Her legend and mystery endure
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Gem of the Côte dAzur
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An iridescent view
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

