Since 2020, aggregated from related topics
Near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) are small celestial bodies that orbit relatively close to Earth, typically within 1.3 astronomical units (AU) of the Sun. These asteroids are of great interest to astronomers and planetary scientists because they can provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of the solar system. NEAs are also of interest due to their potential threat to Earth. If a large NEA were to collide with our planet, it could cause widespread destruction and potentially mass extinction. Therefore, studying NEAs and developing strategies to mitigate the risk of impact is an important area of research. Researchers study NEAs using a variety of techniques, including ground-based telescopes, space missions, and computer modeling. By studying the composition, size, shape, and orbit of NEAs, scientists can better understand their origins and potential hazards. Overall, research on NEAs is important for both scientific understanding of the solar system and for planetary defense initiatives to protect Earth from potential impacts.