Several scientific research programs are dedicated to the search for near- Earth objects (NEOs), especially those that might someday strike our planet. Search the World Wide Web for information about at least one of these programs. How does this program search for NEOs? How many NEOs has this program discovered? Will any of these pose a threat in the near future?

Understanding the methodology behind the discovery of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) is crucial in fathoming how researchers and scientists keep our planet safe. The foundational step in NEO discovery involves surveying the sky with powerful telescopes equipped with advanced sensors and cameras. These instruments capture images of the cosmos, scanning for celestial bodies that may be on a trajectory that brings them into the vicinity of Earth.

After capturing the night sky, the data is fed into computer algorithms that discern these objects by looking for consistent movement patterns against the backdrop of stars, which exhibit apparent fixed positions in the short term. These methodologies rely heavily on repetitive imaging of the same area and comparing the successive images to spot movement indicative of a potential NEO. The process, known as 'astrometry', precisely measures the positions and movements of stars and any other objects passing through the field of vision.

Once potential NEOs are identified, further analysis, such as spectroscopy, is conducted to understand their composition, size, and other characteristics. Spectroscopy involves measuring the light spectrum emitted or reflected by objects, which can reveal information about their material makeup. By understanding these methodologies, even complex concepts like NEO detection become more accessible, like how various textures in a patchwork quilt can be distinguished by their unique patterns and materials.

NEO tracking technology represents the sophisticated toolkit astronomers use to monitor the trajectories and predict the future positions of NEOs. It is an evolution of the rudimentary tools once used by astronomers of the past. Primarily, radar is one of the powerful tools in NEO tracking. By bouncing radio waves off the object and analyzing the echoes that are returned, scientists can determine an NEO's distance, speed, and rotation with great precision.

Furthermore, optical telescopes continue to play a pivotal role, utilizing CCDs (Charge-Coupled Devices) to capture precise images for astrometric data collection. In recent years, the advent of automated sky surveys has significantly accelerated the NEO discovery rate. These automated systems, such as the Pan-STARRS (Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System), scan the sky continuously, using sophisticated software to identify objects that change positions over time.

With the integration of AI, NEO tracking has become more proactive than reactive. Predictive modeling and machine learning algorithms can now sift through immense datasets to not only track currently known NEOs but also predict where new ones might be found. This leap in technology helps in mitigating potential asteroid threats well before they become pressing.

Assessing the threat of an asteroid impact is a crucial aspect of planetary defense, where astronomers evaluate the risk posed by discovered NEOs. This process begins by analyzing the orbit of the NEO to project its trajectory and determine if and when it might intersect with Earth's path. The key lies in long-term monitoring, which aids in refining their orbits and understanding the probability of impact.

Scientists use a variety of statistical techniques to assess risk, including the Torino Scale which categorizes the impact hazard of near-Earth objects. This scale ranges from 0, indicating no risk, to 10, indicating a collision is certain and capable of causing global climatic catastrophe. Additionally, impact probability is calculated using sophisticated computer simulations of celestial dynamics that consider gravitational influences of other celestial bodies.

Overall, the intelligence gathered from these assessments guides global preparedness strategies, including potential deflection missions. In the rare case an NEO is categorized as posing a significant threat, international collaboration on potential deflection strategies, such as the DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission by NASA, can be deployed to safeguard our planet.