Explore, Touch, and Create with 3D Asteroid Models

The 10th anniversary of Asteroid Day is approaching! As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on our journey and the recognition earned through thousands of events held in every corner of the world over the past decade. We are truly grateful for your part in this story — whether you’ve produced an explanatory video or organised a multi-attraction event.

To thank you — whether you’re a long-standing partner or new to our global community — we’re offering you a special new resource: an exciting way to share content on asteroids, impact craters, and other minor bodies that may pose a risk to our planet.

This exhibition includes a set of posters and 3D models of asteroids, featuring an impact crater and other minor bodies such as comets and interstellar objects. Each item comes with a 3D printable model, an informative poster, and interactive resources accessible via QR code.

These materials were carefully created by Marcelo Zurita, an Asteroid Day Regional Coordinator and CEO of APA — one of Brazil’s oldest astronomical associations. Marcelo has been with us since the early days, and his work has captivated audiences — particularly students — in many cities across the country, while inspiring many other event organisers

One of the goals of this exhibition is to offer the chance to handle a three-dimensional model and examine it from every angle. This hands-on experience encourages even greater curiosity and engagement. It also supports accessibility and inclusion, enabling individuals with certain limitations — such as visual impairments — to better grasp the material being presented. It is a powerful educational and inclusive tool that often comes with the added bonus of smiles and eyes lighting up.

Presenting the Exhibition – Each poster includes detailed information about an object to help you explore its physical properties, circumstances of discovery, orbital characteristics, and some of the space missions dedicated to its study. There is a reserved space at the centre for you to place the 3D model. While the model is being handled, a QR code provides access to a virtual simulator.

DOWNLOAD THE ORIGINAL VERSION (IN ENGLISH) AS A PDF HERE

DOWNLOAD THE POSTERS IN SVG (Scalable Vector Graphic) FORMAT HERE
These files will allow you to recreate the content for each object in your own language.

DOWNLOAD THE 3D PRINTING MODEL FILES HERE
The files are provided in STL (STereoLithography) format.

Setting Up the Exhibition (Step-by-Step Guide):

1 – Choose the size and format– You can display all the objects or just a selection. If you decide to create the posters in your local language, feel free to adapt the design to your visual identity and include logos of sponsors, supporters, and partners. The SVG files can be edited using Inkscape — a free and open-source software — or a similar tool. This can be particularly useful in countries with a diversity of languages or for audiences who require Braille, for example.

2a – Printing the Posters – The posters are set up for A3 size printing (420 x 297 mm) in landscape orientation (horizontal). They should be printed on adhesive or plain paper.

2b – Printing the 3D Models -The recommended size for each model, suitable for display with A3 posters, is approximately 15 cm in length. You may use filament materials such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), depending on your needs.

3a – Finishing the Posters -To provide more rigidity, the printed posters should be mounted on polystyrene, hardboard, or reinforced cardboard. Arrange them on tables or stands in whichever order suits your exhibition layout.

3b – Painting the Models – If preferred, the models can remain in their original printing colour. However, for added realism and educational value, it is recommended to paint them in the actual colour tones of the celestial bodies, using acrylic paints.

4 – Exhibition Ready – Once complete, the 3D models should be placed in the central grey area of the corresponding poster, where the QR code is located.

 

Bodies and Topics Covered with Each Poster– These are the objects selected to be part of this exhibition, along with their respective names and classifications:

67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko (Comet, JFC, NEO); Apophis (Aten, PHA, NEO); Barringer Crater (Impact Crater); Bennu (Apollo, PHA, NEO); Didymos (Apollo, PHA, NEO); Eros (Amor, NEO); Ida (Main Belt); Itokawa (Apollo, PHA, NEO); Kleopatra (Main Belt); Mathilde (Main Belt); Oumuamua (Hyperbolic Asteroid, Interstellar Object); Psyche (Main Belt); Ryugu (Apollo, PHA, NEO); Toutatis (Apollo, PHA, NEO) and Vesta (Protoplanet, Main Belt).

Lessons and Other Materials to Support the Display

Comet
Comets can also impact planets
Jupiter-family comets (JFCs)
What is an asteroid?
Where are asteroids located?
What are Near Earth Asteroids (NEA)?
What are Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHA)?
How do we categorize potential asteroid or comet impact events?
What happens when an asteroid hits Earth?
What are the biggest asteroid impact craters on Earth?
What Are the Most Notable Impact Craters?
How do we collect samples from an asteroid?
Why bring asteroid samples back to Earth?
Do asteroids have moons?
Hyperbolic Asteroids
Interstellar Object
Protoplanet
The International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence

Consider complementing your exhibition with the Mission to Asteroids poster series, and enhance your celebration by selecting one of the suggested activities to engage your audience. Don’t forget to register your event and let us know about these special moments. Share unforgettable images from your event on social media using the hashtag #AsteroidDay10years.