Every year on June 30, the world observes International Asteroid Day, a United Nations-approved day that serves not only to raise awareness about the potential threat asteroids pose to Earth but also to promote scientific efforts in planetary defense. This date is not arbitrary—it commemorates the Tunguska event of 1908, when an asteroid or comet exploded over Siberia, leveling 2,000 square kilometers of forest in a remote part of Russia. Fortunately, the area was sparsely populated, but the event remains the most powerful asteroid-related impact in recorded history. Why should we care about asteroid threats in a world already burdened with climate change, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions? The answer is simple: unlike many of our current crises, asteroid impacts are preventable. What we need is awareness, investment, and global cooperation. Asteroids are remnants from the early solar system—celestial time capsules that orbit the Sun and occasionally cross Earth’s path. While most are harmless, even a small asteroid can wreak devastation if it strikes a populated area. The Chelyabinsk meteor of 2013, which exploded over Russia and injured over 1,500 people, was a stark reminder that Earth is not immune to these cosmic visitors. The good news is that technology and science are rapidly advancing. Space agencies like NASA, ESA, and ISRO are working diligently to catalog Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), study their trajectories, and test potential deflection methods. NASA’s successful DART mission, which altered the orbit of the asteroid Dimorphos in 2022, was a historic proof of concept—demonstrating that humans can influence celestial mechanics to protect our planet. But such missions require sustained funding, international collaboration, and public support. This is where International Asteroid Day plays a crucial role. Through public talks, documentaries, school programs, and global events, it draws attention to the need for vigilance and preparedness. It also highlights the inspiring work being done by astronomers, engineers, and researchers worldwide to ensure Earth’s long-term safety. More importantly, the day is a call to foster global unity. A planetary threat demands a planetary response. No single country owns the skies, and no border can shield us from a falling rock from space. As we mark this year’s International Asteroid Day, let us move beyond passive observation. Let it be a catalyst for education, engagement, and policy-making. Let it remind us that we are stewards of a fragile planet in a vast and dynamic universe. The next asteroid may be centuries away—or just around the cosmic corner. Either way, we must be ready.