What is a near-Earth object?
Learn the difference between asteroids, comets, meteoroids, meteors, meteorites, and near-Earth objects. Understand why distance, size, speed, and uncertainty matter.
TESS Public Education Module
Asteroid Hunter Training Academy
A beginner-friendly academy for citizens who want to understand asteroid hunting, responsible observation, and public planetary-defense data. This page teaches the workflow without overstating risk or replacing official scientific channels.
01Sky basics
02NEO data
03Tools
04Observe
05Record
06Report
Training Mode Online
Learn how to identify credible sources, read close-approach data, prepare observations, and communicate responsibly.
Training Curriculum
Six public learning modules
Designed for beginners, students, and observatory volunteers.
Read official data first
Use NASA/JPL CNEOS, SBDB, Minor Planet Center, and other official/public scientific sources before trusting social posts or sensational headlines.
Tools of the asteroid hunter
Review telescope basics, cameras, time synchronization, plate solving, sky charts, weather checks, and why accurate timestamps are critical.
Observation night workflow
Plan a target window, check sky conditions, capture calibrated frames, record location/time/settings, and preserve raw data for later validation.
Responsible reporting
Separate personal notes from formal reports. Learn what details matter, avoid panic language, and route observations through appropriate scientific channels.
Join the public mission
Use the Asteroid Watch Network, Forums, observatory logs, and Downloads library to keep learning and participate in public education.
Field Checklist
Before you call something a discovery
Simple safety rails for public asteroid hunting.
- Verify the object against official databases and current ephemerides.
- Keep original images, logs, timestamps, and equipment settings.
- Check for satellites, aircraft, reflections, clouds, and hot pixels.
- Use UTC time and record your observing location accurately.
- Avoid impact claims unless official agencies publish confirmed risk.
- Ask for peer review before sharing dramatic conclusions publicly.
Next Steps
Continue the mission
Move from learning into observation and community coordination.
Asteroid Watch Network
Connect this training path to the public watch network page and observatory mission materials.
Open Watch Network →Live NEO dashboard
Review public close-approach information with educational distance and size context.
Open NEO Dashboard →Community Forums
Discuss training questions, observatory plans, and public education ideas with the community.
Open Forums →Public Safety Note
No panic, no fake certainty: this academy is educational. It does not issue official impact warnings. Public asteroid/comet risk information should be checked against NASA, JPL, ESA, Minor Planet Center, and other recognized scientific authorities.