Hunt the Asteroids

How do we find asteroids? Knowing how to find asteroids is important so that we can watch for their orbits and protect the Earth should one get too close!

This activity will show you how we find asteroids and even how to calculate their speed!

By the end of this resource you will:

  • Know how we watch for asteroids
  • Have used astronomical software to open a data image
  • Used software to blink through images and look for changes
  • Have analysed data to find asteroids

To complete this resource you will need:

  • A computer
  • The attached data files
  • Access to LTImage or AstroLab software to open and analyse images
  • A calculator (for the extension exercise)