# astro: asteroids, about small NEO (Near Earth Objects)

<< One of the major problems that civilisation has is that while we are becoming incredibly efficient at spotting Near Earth Objects, we still cannot do anything about one that might be on a collision path with the Earth. NASA currently has a project, DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test), to redirect a threatening asteroid at the preliminary design phase. >>

<< It is salutary to look at the number of detections of Near Earth Objects. The Minor Planet Center maintains a database of observations, keeping a running total which, by the end of December 2017, stood at over 17,500. A further 28 have already been spotted this month. >>

Monica Grady. A huge asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs, but what danger do smaller ones pose? Jan 18, 2018.

https://theconversation.com/a-huge-asteroid-wiped-out-the-dinosaurs-but-what-danger-do-smaller-ones-pose-90133