Near-Earth object

A near-Earth object (NEO) is something in outer space that passes close to the Earth, like a comet, asteroid, or sometimes even a big chunk of rock. NEOs can be a few feet big, or they can be miles across. They come so close to the Earth because they follow an orbit around the Sun that brings them close to our planet. Many NEOs are incredibly old and were formed when the Solar System was born. Scientists watch NEOs very closely because, if they come too close to our planet, they could harm us!