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Planetary Defenders Watch Party

NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) is the first-ever space mission to demonstrate one method of asteroid deflection through use of a kinetic impactor spacecraft. And on September 26, 2022, DART will attempt something that has never been done before: intentionally crash into the moon of an asteroid to change its orbit.

While DART's target asteroid (named Dimorphos) is NOT a threat to Earth, it is the perfect object for testing whether sending a spacecraft at high speed into an asteroid is an effective way to change the object's course -- should we ever discover an actual Earth-threatening asteroid.

Become a Planetary Defender

Planetary defense involves looking for asteroids or comets that might impact Earth and preventing these near-Earth objects from reaching our planet. Support the DART mission by taking this short quiz. If you pass, you'll become a Planetary Defender and receive a digital certificate and mission patch!

Let's get started!

Host a Planetary Defender Watch Party

Creating a watch party is a great way to experience this amazing event with your friends and family. You can host your watch party at a public place or from home. Some people also choose to host their watch party online, view a broadcast from different locations and discuss it using the internet. The choice is yours!

Use this Watch Party Kit as your guide to throw your own unforgettable event. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of activities, decorations, and media to make your party fun for all ages. Be creative with your party and invite your friends or people from your community. Impact day will be a large event you will not want to miss.

On September 26, 2022, NASA and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) will host a live broadcast of the DART spacecraft approaching and impacting its target asteroid. Live coverage is from 6 – 7:30 p.m. ET on NASA TV, NASA YouTube, NASA Twitter and NASA Facebook.

Everything you need to host a great party and join in on the fun is here at your fingertips.

Planetary Defender Watch Party Kit Links: