Track Asteroid Size and Velocity from NASA NeoWs

Asteroid comparisons often collapse estimated size into one number and quote speed without the reference frame or approach context. The NASA Near-Earth Objects Scraper returns minimum and maximum estimated diameter plus relative velocity for the modeled close approach.

Preserve uncertainty in the data model

Validate derived categories against the raw range rather than only its midpoint. An object near a threshold can move between categories under reasonable assumptions, so interfaces should expose the estimates instead of presenting the label as measured fact.

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Keep estimated_diameter_min_km and estimated_diameter_max_km as separate fields. A midpoint can support visualization, but label it as derived and retain the range for tooltips and analysis. Store relative velocity in kilometers per hour with the approach date and orbiting body; a speed detached from its encounter is incomplete.

Use NASA ID to deduplicate objects across overlapping feed windows. If an object has multiple approaches, do not average the velocities into one timeless property. Model each encounter separately. Hazard and sentry flags can be displayed as official classifications, but size and speed alone should not be turned into an impact-risk score.

For communication, show distributions rather than cherry-picking the fastest or largest record. Explain that estimates and orbital solutions can improve. Link each item to JPL, keep collection dates, and version any derived categories such as small, medium, or large. These practices make the dataset useful for comparison without converting uncertain scientific measurements into false precision.