Near-Earth Object
A Near-Earth Object (NEO) is an asteroid or comet that comes within 1.3 astronomical units of the Earth. These objects are of particular interest because they can potentially collide with our planet, posing a risk to life. Scientists monitor NEOs to assess their orbits and predict any possible impacts.
NEOs are categorized into two main groups: Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) and Near-Earth Comets (NECs). NEAs are further divided into subcategories based on their orbits, such as Atira, Amor, and Apollo asteroids. Understanding NEOs helps researchers develop strategies for planetary defense and to explore the resources they may offer.