The Earth has been reported to have two newly discovered moons, according to astronomers using the Pan-STARRS survey at the Haleakala Observatory in Hawaii. The findings were published in August 2024. One of the celestial bodies identified is named 2025 PN7, categorized as a quasi-satellite.
What is a Quasi-Moon?
Quasi-moons differ from traditional moons. These celestial entities orbit the Sun rather than being gravitationally bound to Earth. Astronomers describe them as being in a resonant orbit, which allows for a sustained yet unbound proximity to our planet. Asa Stahl from the Planetary Society classified these objects as asteroids, highlighting that they are not actual moons.
Characteristics of 2025 PN7
- Size: Approximately 18 to 36 meters in diameter.
- Orbital Period: Completes an orbit around the Sun in roughly 365 days, similar to Earth’s cycle.
- Stability: Among the smallest and least stable of the seven known quasi-moons.
2025 PN7 has likely been circling the Earth for decades or even centuries, according to archival images. However, it has a tenuous gravitational link with our planet, allowing it to drift away over time.
Discovery Timeline
The recent discovery of 2025 PN7 is attributed to improvements in astronomical technology. Its small size rendered it invisible to amateur telescopes, and the latest models can only detect it when it is close to Earth. Challenges in accurately spotting these objects often arise because old satellites and space debris may share similar orbits.
The Future of 2025 PN7
Navigating the complexities of tracking quasi-moons, astronomers anticipate 2025 PN7 will maintain its orbit until approximately 2083. However, it remains difficult to provide a specific timeline for its eventual detachment from Earth’s influence.
The study of 2025 PN7 offers an invaluable opportunity to investigate small asteroids and their behaviors in near-Earth space, highlighting the significance of these newfound celestial companions around our planet.
