NEO stands for Near-Earth Object, which refers to any small celestial body, such as an asteroid or comet, that comes within 1.3 astronomical units of the Earth. These objects are of interest to scientists because they can provide insights into the early solar system and may pose potential risks to our planet. Many NEOs are tracked by space agencies like NASA to monitor their orbits and assess any possible collision threats. Some NEOs are also considered for future exploration or resource utilization, as they may contain valuable materials that could be used in space missions or on Earth.