"Near-Earth" refers to objects, such as asteroids and comets, that come close to Earth's orbit. These objects are typically found within a distance of about 1.3 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun, which is roughly 121 million kilometers. Scientists study near-Earth objects (NEOs) to assess any potential threat they may pose to our planet. Monitoring NEOs is crucial for planetary defense. Organizations like NASA track these objects to predict their paths and determine if they could collide with Earth. Understanding their composition and behavior helps researchers develop strategies to mitigate any risks associated with potential impacts from asteroids or comets.