Go to NASA's Asteroid Watch website (http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/asteroidwatch). What is new? Has there been a new discovery or a recent flyby? Was the asteroid studied with a spacecraft, an orbiting telescope, or a ground-based telescope? What has been learned about the object?

Asteroid discoveries are exciting events in the realm of space research. Asteroids are small rocky bodies orbiting the sun, and finding new ones helps scientists understand more about our solar system. When a new asteroid is discovered, various details are recorded. This includes its size, composition, and orbit. Sometimes, these small celestial bodies can give insights into the early solar system. NASA's Asteroid Watch keeps track of such discoveries and showcases the latest finds. New information on these discoveries is critical, as it might help researchers determine whether the asteroid is a near-Earth object and if it poses any danger to our planet. Regular updates ensure that the global community is aware of these celestial neighbors.

Spacecraft observation plays a vital role in studying asteroids in detail. Spacecraft can travel vast distances into space, reaching asteroids that are otherwise too far for telescopes. For example, the OSIRIS-REx mission by NASA aimed to study the asteroid Bennu. The spacecraft's observations helped to gather data on Bennu's surface, composition, and orbit. Spacecraft can carry a variety of instruments, such as cameras, spectrometers, and even drills to collect samples directly from the asteroid's surface. These missions enable scientists to study asteroids up close, providing a wealth of information that is not possible through ground-based or orbiting telescopes.

Telescopes, both ground-based and space-based, are crucial tools in asteroid studies. Ground-based telescopes, like those at observatories, allow astronomers to track and monitor asteroids from Earth. They can gather detailed images and spectra of these objects, helping to determine their composition and behavior. On the other hand, space telescopes, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, provide clearer and more detailed views of asteroids that are not affected by the Earth's atmosphere. These telescopes help in identifying new asteroids, studying their properties, and understanding their potential impact on Earth. Key attributes like the asteroid's size, spin, and orbit can be accurately assessed with the help of telescopes.

NASA missions are at the forefront of asteroid research and exploration. Missions like the recently completed OSIRIS-REx, which studied and collected samples from asteroid Bennu, showcase NASA's dedication to understanding these celestial bodies. Another notable mission is the Dawn spacecraft, which visited the giant asteroids Vesta and Ceres in the asteroid belt. NASA's mission goals typically include mapping the asteroid's surface, determining its composition, and assessing any potential risk to Earth. These missions often involve collaboration with international space agencies and scientists from around the world. The data and samples returned from such missions contribute significantly to our understanding of the solar system and support ongoing research and discovery.