What are Near Earth Object and why is it important to study them?

Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) are mostly asteroids – space rocks with sizes ranging between a few meters to several kilometres in diameter. There are also some comets, only 1% of the total NEO population. Some of the objects, known as ‘potentially hazardous objects’ have orbits that bring them very close to the orbit of Earth.

The impact probability is in general terms very low, but effects can be extremely severe and there is plenty of evidence of past impact events on the Earth and also on the Moon.

Significant efforts to detect and catalogue the objects are ongoing, though in general terms there are still many gaps in our knowledge of the NEO threat and the best ways to tackle it.

What is the purpose of the 1st IAA Planetary Defence Conference?

At the 1st IAA Planetary Defence Conference specialists in the fields of astrometry, orbital dynamics, physical characterisation of asteroids and comets, aerothermodynamics, and impact modelling will join spacecraft mission designers, risk analysts, systems engineers and policy makers to debate asteroid impacts as a topic for interdisciplinary research and as a threat to be addressed.

This event is thus key to understanding the current state of studies and research activities worldwide and will discuss the need for adequate policies and actions. The insight gained will help to improve coordination and enhance the overall work on the subject as well as providing the impetus required to accelerate the implementation of the priority activities.

For more information on NEOs:

NASA NEO program http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov

ESA NEO studies http://www.esa.int/NEO

Minor Planet Center http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/iau/mpc.html

NEODYS http://newton.dm.unipi.it/neodys/


Meteor crater                Tungunska event                    Mission concept Credits: NASA                             Credits: RAS                            Credits: ESA


Who is sponsoring the 1st IAA Planetary Defense Conference?