Comparison of old and new models of near-Earth asteroid populations. The new model, based on NEOWISE infrared data, shows significantly fewer asteroids larger than 100 meters compared to the old model based on visible light surveys. Red dots represent asteroids, green dots represent planets. The Sun is in the center. The image illustrates that infrared observations provide a more accurate count because albedo doesn't affect the measurements.

Astronomy Picture from 01/10/2011

Asteroids Near Earth

Source: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap111001.html


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