Space Rocks in the Neighborhood: The Science and the Dangers of Near Earth Objects

Greg Bryan

Professor, Columbia University

Abstract: The NASA Near Earth Object program tracks almost ten thousand asteroids and comets with trajectories that cross Earth's orbit. They range in size from as small as a house to the size of a mountain, and have average speeds relative to the earth of 40,000 miles per hour. In this talk, we'll explore where these objects come from, how they are detected, and what can be done to prevent a collision with the Earth.