Near-Earth Object
A Near-Earth Object (NEO) is any small Solar System body whose orbit brings it into proximity with Earth. NEOs include asteroids and comets that have been nudged by the gravitational attraction of nearby planets into orbits that allow them to enter the Earth's neighborhood. These objects are of great interest to space and astronautical engineers because they pose a potential threat to Earth if they collide with our planet. Studying NEOs can help us understand the formation and evolution of the Solar System, as well as provide insight into the resources that may be available for future space exploration missions. NASA's Near-Earth Object Observations Program is responsible for detecting, tracking, and characterizing NEOs to determine their potential impact hazards.
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