Asteroids are small, rocky objects that orbit the Sun. Most are located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. This area of our Solar System is known as the Asteroid Belt. However, the orbits of some asteroids bring them much closer to Earth. These are known as Near Earth Objects or NEOs.

Astronomers track NEOs in case they could be a threat to our planet in the future. This project provides you with real data from the Liverpool Telescope and other telescopes. Your job is to search for NEOs in the images and report back on their positions. The results will help us work out if any of the asteroids could be a threat to Earth.

By the end of this activity you will:

Have searched for asteroids yourself
Have measured the positions of any NEOs you detect
Have reported your results

To complete this activity you will need:

The Asteroid Watch research project webpages
To have already completed our Hunting for Asteroids activity
Internet access
Image Software that can open astronomical data files

Still from animation of over 18,000 Near Earth Objects (NEOs). A small dot in the centre is the Sun, and the orbits of the planets are marked as lines. NEOs are marked in blue and are everywhere in the image. — Still image from animation of over 18,000 Near Earth Objects.

Approx Duration

60+ mins

Have a go

Your challenge is to find and report the positions of NEOs!

Visit the Asteroid Watch research project. Use the items in the menu to:

Remind yourself how to detect asteroids.
Learn how to measure their positions.
Download real observations to check for asteroids.
Report your results

If you liked this, why not try

What are the Risks from Asteroids?

What are Asteroids and Comets?

Investigate Exoplanets

Keep Watch on Asteroids

Have a go

About Us