In addition to astrometric data, the MPC collects light curve photometry of minor planets.
[2][3] The MPC is also responsible for identifying, and alerting to, new NEOs with a risk of impacting Earth in the few weeks following their discovery (see Potentially hazardous objects and § Videos).
[4][5]: 63 Upon Herget's retirement on June 30, 1978,[5]: 67 the MPC was moved to the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, under the direction of Brian G.
[8] Under his leadership, the MPC experienced a significant period of reorganization and growth, doubling both its staff size and the volume of observations processed per year.
The service provides "ephemerides, orbital elements and residual blocks for the outer irregular satellites of the giant planets".