Celebrating 10 Years of Asteroid Day in Africa
Celebrating 10 Years of Asteroid Day in Africa https://asteroidday-uploads.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/15154715/unnamed-1.jpg 940 788 Asteroid Day https://asteroidday-uploads.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/15154715/unnamed-1.jpg
The 10th anniversary of Asteroid Day was marked with special and unforgettable activities across the globe. A variety of events brought together scientists, educators, and audiences of all ages, shining a spotlight on the significance of asteroids, planetary defence, and the discoveries and progress made over the past decade. In this series of articles, we will explore how different regions contributed to a rich journey of global education and awareness – starting with Africa.
In Côte d’Ivoire, the Ivorian Astronomy Association hosted a series of conferences at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in the capital, Abidjan. Presentations covered topics such as what asteroids are, where they are located, and whether an impact could wipe out humanity. One of the talks highlighted the importance of asteroid research and mentioned the provisional discovery of three asteroids (2022 SW188, 2023 TR26, and 2023 VX29) by members of the association.
Moments from the event organised by the Ivorian Astronomy Association at Félix Houphouët-Boigny University.
In Algeria, the Centre for Research in Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Geology held conferences featuring guest professors and researchers from the centre. The presentations focused on the role of asteroids in scientific research, and highlighted several impact sites and efforts to preserve them for study.
Images from conferences organised by the Centre for Research in Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Geology in Algeria
Algerian science communicator Echaima Amine Khodja
Also in Algeria, astrophysicist and science communicator Echaima Amine Khodja created a special video explaining asteroids, the risks they pose, and the value of initiatives like Asteroid Day. With over 13,000 followers, her science content has reached a wide audience.
In Ariana, Tunisia, the Société Astronomique de Tunisie organised an astronomical demonstration featuring a range of scientific and educational activities open to the public. The event included a lecture, workshops, sky watching, and an exhibition of astronomical instruments.
Moments from the public demonstration organised by the Société Astronomique de Tunisie
Several important virtual events also took place. These included a roundtable on planetary defence hosted by the African Space Leadership Institute, with representatives from South Africa, Morocco, Ghana, and Uganda. In Nigeria, the Centre for Basic Space Science held a broadcast with various presentations on asteroids and impact risks.
In Mozambique, the Cosmos Detectives Astronomy Club, in partnership with the Lusophone Astronomy Group for Development (PLOAD), brought together participants from Angola, Brazil, Macau, and Portugal for a virtual roundtable.
Posters from online events held by organisations from Nigeria (left), South Africa (right), and Mozambique (bottom)
Virtual events offer the opportunity to reach global audiences without the limitations of geography, reducing travel and infrastructure costs. They also allow real-time engagement with experts and attendees from different regions. Take a look at this article for some useful tips on how to run virtual events.
Poster from the Maloti Space Explorers founder’s appearance on Radio Lesotho to talk about Asteroid Day
Lesotho made its Asteroid Day debut thanks to a local radio appearance by the founder of the Maloti Space Explorers. We are delighted to welcome this country into our global community.
If you took part in the 10th anniversary celebrations of Asteroid Day, we’d love to hear from you, share your experience by filling in this report.
