The NEOROCKS project has released its first newsletter, which can be downloaded from their website. This EU Horizon 2020 project is focused on improving our understanding of the physical properties of NEOs (Near-Earth Objects), which are small celestial bodies that come dangerously close to our planet. The newsletter covers a range of topics, including how data mining has helped detect asteroids and the connection between NEOs and celestial mechanics. It also includes entertaining contributions, such as an analysis of the science behind the movie “Don’t Look Up” and a section for kids. The NEOROCKS team is led by INAF, the National Institute for Astrophysics, and includes a large network of European astronomical observatories and research institutions. The ASI Space Science Data Center will host and develop the databases and tools created during the project, while the Italian Space Agency will play a leadership role in shaping the project’s future roadmap. The newsletter also features images from “Let’s Draw the Universe,” an initiative aimed at primary schools in Umbria, sponsored by the University of Perugia and the Italian Space Agency.
