Abstract
Asteroids which can cross the orbit of the Earth are being discovered at a high rate. This talk will summarize the statistics of such Near Earth Objects with regard to numbers, sizes and orbits. The probabilities of collisiions with the Earth and the likely consequences will be discussed and compared with other risks facing us. As a case study, the threat posed by Apophis, which is heading our way for a near hit on Friday 13 (!) April 2029, will be investigated.