What are Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), and Why Should We Care?

An Overview of Asteroids, Their Threat to Earth, and NASA's Role in Protecting Our Planet

Asteroids are small, rocky bodies that orbit the Sun. They range in size from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers across.

Near-Earth objects (NEOs) are asteroids or comets that have orbits that bring them close to Earth's orbit. Some NEOs can pose a hazard to our planet, as they could potentially impact Earth and cause significant damage.

NASA tracks NEOs and assesses their potential hazard to Earth. The agency also develops and tests technologies to deflect NEOs that could impact our planet.

Types of NEOs and Their Potential Hazards

There are two main types of NEOs: asteroids and comets. Asteroids are rocky bodies, while comets are icy bodies that contain dust and gas.

Asteroids are the most common type of NEO. They are typically found in the asteroid belt, which is located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

Comets are less common than asteroids. They are typically found in the Kuiper Belt, which is located beyond the orbit of Neptune.

Both asteroids and comets can pose a hazard to Earth if they impact our planet.

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Asteroids:

Asteroids can cause significant damage if they impact Earth. The impact of a large asteroid could create a crater several kilometers wide and release enough energy to cause a global catastrophe. *

Comets:

Comets can also cause significant damage if they impact Earth. In addition to the damage caused by the impact itself, comets can also release large amounts of dust and gas into the atmosphere. This dust and gas can block out the Sun's light and cause a global cooling event.

NASA's Role in Protecting Earth from NEOs

NASA plays a vital role in protecting Earth from NEOs. The agency tracks NEOs and assesses their potential hazard to Earth.

NASA also develops and tests technologies to deflect NEOs that could impact our planet. These technologies include:

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Kinetic impactors:

Kinetic impactors are spacecraft that would impact an NEO and deflect it from its path. *

Gravity tractors:

Gravity tractors are spacecraft that would use their own gravity to pull an NEO off its path. *

Nuclear weapons:

Nuclear weapons could be used to destroy an NEO or deflect it from its path. However, this option is only considered as a last resort.

What Can You Do to Help?

There are a few things you can do to help NASA protect Earth from NEOs:

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Support NASA's mission:

You can support NASA's mission to protect Earth from NEOs by donating to the agency or by contacting your elected officials to express your support for NASA's work. *

Be aware of the NEO threat:

Stay informed about the NEO threat and the steps that NASA is taking to protect Earth. You can find more information on NASA's website: https://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/. *

Share information about NEOs:

Help to raise awareness of the NEO threat by sharing information about NEOs with your friends and family. You can also share information about NASA's work to protect Earth from NEOs on social media.