Asteroids larger than a few hundred meters that pass less than 0.05 AU from Earth are called Potentially Hazardous Asteroids . These space rocks could strike our planet if their orbits were changed just a little. Astronomers are tracking 266 of these at present. 2000 QW7 zoomed past Earth on Sept. 1st, barely 12 times farther from our planet than the Moon. For news and information about the mission, visit the NEAR web site .
Scientists say it's an unusually good opportunity to study a near-Earth object.
A 200 metric ton rock from space streaked across the skies of western Canada on January 18, 2000. Using the giant Arecibo radar, astronomers have captured images of a metallic dog bone-shaped asteroid the size of New Jersey. Thursday's Classroom Coloring Book Students can color original images by Duane Hilton as they follow along with this week's stories and lessons. But we don't have to take it lying down. Already astronomers are scanning the skies and preparing to defend the planet.