Hunting for asteroids is an important part of space exploration, as asteroids can provide valuable insights into the history and composition of the solar system. Scientists use a variety of techniques to search for asteroids, including ground-based telescopes, space-based telescopes, and dedicated asteroid-hunting missions.
One of the most important tools for asteroid hunting is the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), a space-based telescope that is sensitive to infrared radiation. WISE has been used to discover thousands of previously unknown asteroids, as well as to study the composition and properties of asteroids that have already been discovered.
In addition to telescopes, scientists also use radar imaging to study asteroids. Radar can be used to image the surface of an asteroid and to measure its shape, size, and rotation rate. This information can be used to determine the asteroid's composition and to plan future missions to study the asteroid up close.
Once an asteroid has been identified and its properties have been studied, teams of scientists can collect data about the asteroid using a variety of techniques. For example, spacecraft can be sent to orbit or land on an asteroid to study its surface, composition, and structure. These missions can provide valuable insights into the history and formation of the asteroid, as well as the broader history and formation of the solar system.