Analyze Asteroid Close Approaches with NASA Data

Close-approach analysis requires a grain decision: one row per object or one row per approach. A daily feed can summarize the relevant encounter, while an exact object lookup may include several approaches. The NASA Near-Earth Objects Scraper provides a convenient primary approach and retains the full list for deeper work.

Normalize units and timestamps

Document the observation window and selection rule alongside every analysis. A seven-day feed is not a representative sample of all known objects, and overlapping runs can overcount the same encounter unless the key is applied before aggregation.

{"startDate":"2026-07-20","endDate":"2026-07-27","maxResults":250}

Use NASA ID plus full approach timestamp as the encounter key. Store kilometers per hour and miss distance in kilometers as numeric values, but retain the original close-approach structure if additional units or epoch time are needed. Include orbiting_body, because not every encounter context should be assumed to be Earth.

When comparing approaches, keep size as an estimated range and avoid implying that magnitude alone gives an exact diameter. A fast object at a large distance and a slower object at a smaller distance represent different observations; neither combination independently establishes impact risk.

For charts, use logarithmic scales carefully, label units, and link each point to NASA or JPL. Deduplicate overlapping date-window runs before aggregation. Record collection time and API window so a reader can reproduce the sample. This structure supports rigorous exploratory analysis while keeping the claims aligned with what NeoWs actually publishes.