"Asteroids 2029" was officially launched today, marking the start of a worldwide initiative aimed at raising awareness about asteroids—considering them both scientific treasures and potential hazards—while strengthening existing international collaborations in planetary defense.

The initiative was driven by more than 70 researchers, professionals, and citizens inspired by a historic celestial event: the exceptionally close passage of asteroid Apophis, scheduled for April 2029. Apophis will pass nearer to Earth than some artificial satellites currently in orbit. So close, in fact, that it could be visible to the naked eye.

The event poses no impact risk, but it offers an unprecedented opportunity to mobilize a global network through initiatives and activities worldwide, ranging from educational projects to communication campaigns. The central hub of this initiative will be a new dedicated website: www.asteroids2029.org.

"The powerful message of Asteroids2029 is that we all share the same Earth and the same sky," comments Sir Brian May, co-founder of International Asteroid Day and guitarist for Queen. "The close encounter with Apophis in 2029 represents a unique opportunity to inspire people around the world to appreciate the beauty of science," May stated, "and to understand the importance of planetary defense."

"Asteroids2029 will open a valuable window into the world of asteroids, revealing their extraordinary appeal, their great significance, and their fundamental connection to life on Earth," added Gianluca Masi, Scientific Director of the Virtual Telescope Project and a member of the initiative's steering committee.

"The close flyby of Apophis in 2029," Masi concluded, "truly represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the value of knowledge and international collaboration with citizens around the world, especially with young people."