B612 Foundation, along with our partners Meteor Crater, Lowell Observatory, and Meteor Crater Education Alliance, invites you to join us in Northern Arizona on June 26–27 for two unforgettable days celebrating Asteroid Day and the announcement of this year’s Schweickart prize winner.

Each year, Flagstaff becomes a hub for asteroid science and space exploration as astronauts, researchers, and science communicators gather to share experiences, stories, and ideas that inspire curiosity about our solar system and the importance of planetary defense.

This year’s two-day program will feature astronaut presentations and photo opportunities, guided experiences at Meteor Crater, special talks, family-friendly STEM activities for all ages, and the announcement of the 2026 Schweickart Prize winner. Guest astronauts and speakers are made possible through the support of B612 Foundation.

This year’s program features Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart, joined by fellow NASA astronauts Steve Smith, Nicole Stott, Dr. Ed Lu, Anousheh Ansari and renowned science communicator Scott Manley.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | SpaceFort Flagstaff
A free, family-friendly community STEM festival featuring hands-on activities, a Kerbal rocket contest with Scott Manley, art workshops with Nicole Stott, astronaut Q&As, food trucks, and more.

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Asteroid Day Starlight Supper
An intimate evening with renowned astronauts and astronomy experts at Lowell Observatory. Enjoy a private reception, catered dinner with beer and wine, and exclusive opportunities for conversation, connection, and photos with pioneers of space exploration. Ticket information below.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Events at Meteor Crater
This year’s program features astronaut presentations and photo opportunities, guided crater experiences, special talks, and family-friendly activities.

2:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Events at Lowell Observatory
After a day at the crater, continue the celebration at Lowell Observatory with additional astronaut presentations, photo opportunities, and the awarding of the 2026 Schweickart Prize.

See full schedule below. 

Asteroid Day Starlight Supper Ticket Information

All tickets include access to the private reception, catered dinner, and evening programming at Lowell Observatory, including a presentation by Dr. Ed Lu at 4:00 pm.

$250 | Individual Ticket
$225 | Individual Ticket – Lowell Member
$2500 | Table with an Astronomy Expert (6 tickets)
$5000 | Table with an Astronaut (6 tickets)

Reserve your place by making a donation for your selected ticket level through the B612 donation page and include your ticket type in the “Gift Notes” section.

The Organizations Behind Arizona’s Asteroid Day Celebration

Co-founded by B612, Asteroid Day is a globally recognized movement dedicated to increasing public awareness of asteroids, planetary defense, and the future of space exploration. Held in commemoration of the 1908 Tunguska event — the largest recorded asteroid impact in modern history — Asteroid Day brings together scientists, astronauts, educators, and communities through events hosted around the world each year on or around June 30.

Since Asteroid Day was founded in 2014, Lowell Observatory and Meteor Crater have helped bring asteroid science and planetary defense education to the public through programs in northern Arizona.

Founded by B612 Foundation, the Schweickart Prize is an annual award recognizing emerging leaders and innovative ideas in planetary defense. The prize includes a $10,000 grant to support projects that advance our ability to understand and protect Earth from asteroid impacts.

Meteor Crater is one of the world’s best-preserved asteroid impact sites, formed nearly 50,000 years ago when a large iron asteroid struck northern Arizona. Today, Meteor Crater serves as a globally recognized destination for asteroid science education, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the scale and power of an impact event firsthand.

Founded in 1894, Lowell Observatory has played a major role in the discovery and study of small bodies throughout the solar system, including near-Earth asteroids. Today, Lowell astronomers continue to contribute to asteroid detection, tracking, and planetary science research while helping educate the public about asteroid impacts and planetary defense.

The Meteor Crater Education Alliance is a nonprofit organization bringing dynamic STEM learning experiences to Arizona and beyond. Working alongside a network of renowned Alliance members— scientific institutions, educational organizations, and industry partners —they create exciting, hands-on experiences that connect learners with real science, real exploration, and real discovery.

FULL SCHEDULE

Please note, the full schedule is subject to change. To get the most up to date information, visit Lowell Observatory, Meteor Crater and Meteor Crater Education Alliance websites.

Friday, June 26​​​ | ​11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | SpaceFort Flagstaff

Flagstaff Elks Lodge 2101 N San Francisco St Flagstaff, AZ 86001
VISIT EVENTBRITE

Throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to engage with NASA astronauts Steve Smith, Nicole Stott, Dr. Ed Lu, and science communicator Scott Manley through interactive activities and experiences designed to inspire curiosity and exploration. Attendees can also explore partner booths and hands-on STEM experiences presented by museums, universities, research organizations, and community groups.

The SpaceFort Science Store will offer space-themed gifts, meteorites, apparel, and science toys supporting STEM education, while local food trucks provide refreshments throughout the event. Visitors can also purchase raffle tickets for exciting STEM-focused prizes, including Meteor Crater Rim Tours, planetarium experiences, youth camps, school outreach programs, and more, all supporting future STEM education initiatives.

11:15am – 1:00 PM | Kerbal Space Program Asteroid Challenge with Scott Manley

Join “Infamous YouTube Rocket Scientist” Scott Manley for a live Kerbal Space Program asteroid challenge! Learn how to design and launch spacecraft, attempt to fly missions to an asteroid, and explore the challenges of spaceflight through interactive gameplay.

11:15am – 1:00 PM | Spacesuit Art Workshop with Nicole Stott

Astronaut and artist Nicole Stott invites kids and families to a fun, hands-on space art experience! Design and decorate your own take-home astronaut spacesuit artwork, then help paint pieces for a giant community-built Asteroid Day spacesuit celebrating Flagstaff, creativity, exploration, and our shared future in space.

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Youth Impact Meet-Up with Nicole Stott and Steve Smith

Invited students will have the opportunity to talk with Nicole Stott and Steve Smith in a relaxed, informal setting about STEM, aerospace, leadership, engineering, creative careers, curiosity, and pathways into science and exploration.

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Rocket Garden Conversations and Dr. Ed Lu and Scott Manley

Step into a miniature space exploration showcase featuring detailed spacecraft and rocket models, mission artifacts, and spaceflight displays as Scott Manley and astronaut Dr. Ed Lu bring the collection to life through informal storytelling and conversation.

2:00 PM – 2:15pm | STEM Raffle Draw 

​2:15pm – 3:00 PM | Astro Panel: Ask Us Anything

Ever wanted to ask an astronaut anything? Now’s your chance. Drop your questions in the box throughout the day — what’s it really like to walk in space? Could we stop an asteroid if we had to? Then gather for a live closing panel where educator Scott Manley and NASA astronauts Nicole Stott, Steve Smith, and Dr. Ed Lu work through them together, unscripted and full of surprises.

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Friday, June 26​​​ | Lowell Observatory Programing

1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
VISIT LOWELL.EDU

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Charting the High Frontier of Space with Dr. Ed Lu
Dr. Ed Lu, a three-time NASA astronaut from the Asteroid Institute, will present the case for a four-dimensional solar system map in a talk titled “Charting the High Frontier of Space.” The map he and his Asteroid Institute team are building is the key to protecting Earth from asteroid impacts and will also help spur future scientific exploration and resource utilization.

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Asteroid Day Starlight Supper
An intimate evening with renowned astronauts and astronomy experts at Lowell Observatory. Enjoy a private reception, catered dinner with beer and wine, and exclusive opportunities for conversation, connection, and photos with pioneers of space exploration. Ticket information above.

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Saturday, June 27​​​ | Meteor Crater Programing

I-40 Exit 233, Winslow, AZ 86047
VISIT METEOR CRATER

8:00 AM | Doors Open at Meteor Crater
Visitors are welcome to explore the Discovery Center exhibits, observation decks, and enjoy the beginning of Asteroid Day programming.

9:00 AM | VIP Floor Tour Experience
Guests descend into the bottom of Meteor Crater on this rare guided hiking experience, exploring the crater floor while learning about the site’s geology, mining history, astronaut training legacy, and scientific significance.

→ Register for the Floor Tour HERE

10:00 AM | Full Rim Tour Experience
Guests hike around the rim of Meteor Crater with an expert guide, exploring scenic viewpoints while learning about the science, history, and ongoing research connected to this world-famous impact site.

→ Register for the Full Rim Tour HERE

10:00 AM | Stories from Space with Dr. Ed Lu and Steve Smith
NASA astronauts Dr. Ed Lu and Steve Smith take the stage for a fun and interactive conversation about life in space, spacewalks, rocket launches, and what it’s really like to see Earth from orbit. Featuring personal photos from their missions and plenty of audience questions, this special session offers kids and adults alike a chance to hear firsthand stories from two astronauts who have actually lived and worked in space.

11:00 AM | Schweickart Prize Discussion
What would it take to save Earth from an asteroid? Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart joins the 2026 Schweickart Prize winner to discuss the winning proposal and the future of planetary defense — one of the most consequential challenges of our time.

12:00 PM | Asteroids, Discovery, and the Future of Planetary Defense with Scott Manley
Science communicator and YouTuber Scott Manley brings his signature wit and astrophysics expertise to a tour of the latest breakthroughs in asteroid discovery: equal parts fascinating, informative, and unexpectedly funny.

12:00 PM | Astronaut Photo Opportunity
Photo opportunity with astronauts Nicole Stott, Dr. Ed Lu, Rusty Schweickart and Steve Smith.

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Saturday, June 27​​​ | Lowell Programing

1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
VISIT LOWELL OBSERVATORY

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Earth from Space with Nicole Stott
Astronaut Nicole Stott is an engineer and artist who flew twice on both the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. On her post-NASA mission, she is a technical and creative consultant, motivational speaker, and advocate for all we do in space that is ultimately for the benefit of all life on Earth. Nicole is also extremely proud of her role as a founding director of the Space for Art Foundation — uniting a planetary community of children through the awe and wonder of space exploration and the healing power of art.
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3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Back to Earth Book Signing with Nicole Stott
In Back to Earth, Stott imparts essential lessons in problem-solving, survival, and crisis response that each of us can practice to make change. She knows we can overcome differences to address global issues, because she saw this every day on the International Space Station. Stott shares stories from her spaceflight and insights from scientists, activists, and changemakers working to solve our greatest environmental challenges. Books will be for sale at the Lowell Observatory Gift Shop.​

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | An Astronaut’s Journey: Childhood Dreams to Riding Rockets with Steve Smith
Steve Smith dreamed of being an astronaut at age 7. Then he made his dream come true through sheer determination and intelligent risk taking. From 1992 – 2005, Steve completed multiple space flights and remained active at NASA.During the 3-decade pursuit of his dream he became a Stanford electrical engineer and MBA, General Motors Fellow, pilot, elite collegiate athlete, and IBM Product Manager.

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Asteroids, Discovery, and the Future of Planetary Defense with Scott Manley
Some asteroids are named after rock legends — but there’s nothing rock ’n’ roll about getting hit by one. Science communicator and YouTuber Scott Manley brings his signature wit and astrophysics expertise to a tour of the latest breakthroughs in asteroid discovery: equal parts fascinating, informative, and unexpectedly funny.

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Astronaut Photo Opportunity
Join us for your chance to get a photo with our esteemed astronaut guests Dr Ed Lu, Anousheh Ansari, Rusty Schweickart, Nicole Stott, and Steve Smith.

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Schweickart Prize Award Ceremony
Join us for a special celebration as Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart returns to Lowell Observatory for the second year to personally present the annual Schweickart Prize. Following the presentation, Rusty will sit down with the winning student to discuss their proposal, joined by all of our visiting astronauts. This year’s winner will receive an authentic meteorite and a $10,000 award in recognition of their outstanding work. This exciting event marks the grand finale of Lowell Observatory’s Asteroid Day programming.

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Since 2002, B612 Foundation has engaged in research, education, and advocacy to advance our understanding of the solar system’s evolution, expand economic development in space, and protect our home planet from asteroid impacts.

Our progress is made possible by the generous contributions of our Leadership, Founding, and Asteroid Circle members, along with individual donors from 46 countries worldwide. Join our global community of supporters by making a donation today.