Cyprus is participating in the global Asteroid Day on June 30 with events organized by Kition Planetarium and Observatory to raise awareness about asteroids and planetary defence. The main event will be held at Kition Planetarium where Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides will deliver a speech on behalf of President Nikos Christodoulides. These activities align with the international initiative founded to educate the public on the scientific and historical significance of asteroids.

Asteroid Day commemorates the 1908 Tunguska event and promotes cooperation in space science. Recent missions, like NASA's OSIRIS-REx, returned pristine samples from asteroid Bennu, providing insights into the solar system's formation and organic materials possibly linked to life's origins. Scientists continue to study such samples to advance understanding and develop technologies essential for future space exploration and planetary protection.

The importance of planetary defence has grown, highlighted by NASA's 2022 successful asteroid impact test to alter an asteroid’s trajectory. Cyprus’ participation underscores the global commitment to space research and safeguarding Earth from cosmic threats.