Astronomers Unveil New Quasi-Moon Orbiting Near Earth

A recent discovery by astronomers has unveiled a new quasi-moon, designated 2025 PN7, which has been orbiting near Earth for approximately 60 years. This small celestial body is classified as a near-Earth asteroid, orbiting the Sun while maintaining a close relationship with our planet. Unlike temporary mini-moons, such as 2024 PT5, which have a brief presence near Earth, quasi-moons like 2025 PN7 have a more stable orbit.

Characteristics of Quasi-Moon 2025 PN7

2025 PN7 completes an orbit around the Sun in one year, similar to Earth. Observations made by the Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii on August 29 revealed that this asteroid has an Earth-like orbit. It oscillates between two types of paths: a closer circular orbit and a broader horseshoe orbit.

Key Facts About 2025 PN7

• Discovery Year: Estimated orbiting Earth for around 60 years.
• Estimated Size: Approximately 98 feet (30 meters) in diameter.
• Closest Approach: Approximately 186,000 miles (299,337 kilometers) from Earth.
• Average Distance: About 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers) from Earth.
• Orbit Type: Alternates between a circular orbit and a horseshoe orbit, potentially reaching up to 185 million miles (297 million kilometers) from Earth.

Scientists believe that 2025 PN7 is the smallest known quasi-moon, likely originating from the Arjuna asteroid group. This group consists of small rocks with orbits similar to Earth’s, suggesting a fascinating origin story linked to the Moon.

Significance of Quasi-Moons

The existence of 2025 PN7 adds to the growing list of quasi-satellites, currently totaling seven known entities near Earth as reported by the European Space Agency. The study of such celestial objects can provide insights into the dynamics of our solar system and improve understanding of objects that orbit Earth.

Research and Future Exploration

A paper detailing these findings was published on September 2 in the Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society. Carlos de la Fuente Marcos, a key researcher, emphasizes that studying quasi-moons can reveal critical information about their origins and the broader environment of the solar system.

While 2025 PN7 is not a threat to Earth, ongoing missions like China’s Tianwen-2, targeting Kamo‘oalewa, could pave the way for future explorations of similar objects and facilitate advancements in planetary exploration technologies.

Overall, the study of quasi-moons like 2025 PN7 enhances our understanding of their characteristics, origins, and the eventual fate within our solar system.