Leading experts in astronomy, cosmology, physics and entertainment will hold a simultaneous press conference in London and San Francisco on December 3rd to announce Asteroid Day – a global day of awareness to educate the world about asteroids: what they are, how frequently they impact Earth and how we can protect our planet and humanity from potential disasters. Asteroid Day will be held on June 30, 2015 with events around the world hosted by individuals and organizations, at schools, museums, community and science centers, via film and entertainment.

Also to be released at the press conference will be a 100x Asteroid Declaration, signed by noted scientists, business leaders, educators and entertainers.  The declaration calls for the rapid hundred-fold (100x) acceleration of the discovery and tracking of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs).

The UK and US Press Conference will be linked via video between the London Science Museum and California Academy of Sciences. Q&A and photo opportunities will follow speaker statements.

Journalists requesting one-on-one interviews with any of the speakers should do so in advance by contacting Diane Murphy (diane@aquariusgroup.net). 

Journalists who are not able to attend the press conference will be provided with a call-in number to access audio. Please RSVP to pr@asteroidday.org to receive the call-in information.

LOCATION | TIME

–San Francisco: California Academy of Sciences | 10:30 a.m. (PST). Business Entrance at 75 Nancy Pelosi Dr., Golden Gate Park

–London: The Science Museum | Gallery 29 | 6:30 p.m. (GMT). ?Directors Entrance, enter prior to 6:00 p.m.

SPEAKERS

UK: The Science Museum

–Dr. Brian May: Astrophysicist, Musician & Lead Guitarist for Queen

–Lord Martin Rees:  Astronomer Royal, Emeritus Professor of Cosmology and Astronomy, University of Cambridge, Honorary Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge

USA: California Academy of Sciences (CAS)

–Tom Jones: US Shuttle Astronaut; President, Association of Space Explorers

–Dr. Ed Lu: US Shuttle Astronaut; Co-founder & CEO, Sentinel Mission

–Rusty Schweickart: US Apollo 9 Astronaut; Co-founder, Sentinel Mission

Additional speakers include:

–Dr. Ryan Wyatt, Director, Morrison Planetarium & Science Visualization, CAS

Additional information on Asteroid Day and the 100x Asteroid Declaration, as well as photos and BROLL will be available at www.asteroidday.org.

 

Media Contact:

Diane Murphy

Email: pr@asteroidday.org

Tel: (US)  +1/202.361.9681 ; (UK):  +44/07818830551