Maanläheiset

Maanläheiset, also known as near-Earth objects (NEOs), are small Solar System bodies whose orbits bring them into close proximity with Earth. These objects typically have semi-major axes between 0.983 and 1.3 astronomical units (AU), and their orbits are often perturbed by the gravitational influence of planets, particularly Jupiter. Maanläheiset can be asteroids, comets, or meteoroids, and they are of significant interest to astronomers and planetary scientists due to their potential impact on Earth.

The term "maanläheiset" is derived from the Finnish word for "near-Earth," reflecting the object's proximity to our planet. These objects are monitored by various space agencies and observatories around the world, including NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) and the European Space Agency's (ESA) Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre (NEOCC). The primary goal of these monitoring efforts is to detect and track maanläheiset to assess their potential threat to Earth.

Maanläheiset can range in size from a few meters to several kilometers in diameter. While most are harmless, some have the potential to cause significant damage if they were to collide with Earth. For example, the Chelyabinsk meteor, which exploded over Russia in 2013, was a maanläheinen that caused widespread damage and injuries. To mitigate the risk posed by maanläheiset, scientists are developing various strategies, including deflection techniques and early warning systems.

In summary, maanläheiset are small Solar System bodies that come close to Earth, posing a potential threat to our planet. Monitoring and studying these objects is crucial for understanding their behavior and developing strategies to protect Earth from potential impacts.