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Astronomers Detect Asteroid Orbiting with Earth, a ‘Quasi-Satellite’ for Decades

WASHINGTON – A newly discovered asteroid, designated ⁢2025 PN7, ​is captivating astronomers with its unusual orbit – a path that ⁤sees it shadowing Earth around the Sun. Discovered by a team from the University of Hawaii, the space rock isn’t a true moon, gravitationally bound to our planet, but ⁢its orbital resonance creates the impression of a constant companion.

This ‍celestial ⁢object appears to follow Earth, moving at‌ nearly ⁤the same rate as it circles the Sun. While not a threat, the finding offers a rare prospect to study a “quasi-satellite” and provides insight into the complex dynamics of near-Earth objects. ‌Astronomers estimate 2025 PN7 ⁤has been linked to Earth for approximately six‍ decades and will continue its unique orbital ‌dance until ‌around 2083, ​when its trajectory is expected to shift and it will drift into deep space.

The asteroid was first detected by researchers at the University of Hawaii. Its diameter is estimated to be between ⁣18 and 36 meters, comparable to the ⁣height of a multi-story building. Though relatively small, its orbital characteristics are what set it apart.

Unlike the Moon,2025 PN7 isn’t held in orbit by Earth’s gravity. Instead, it ⁣maintains a complex⁣ orbital relationship, remaining ⁣in proximity without becoming‍ a true‌ satellite. This type of orbital configuration is ⁢relatively ‍rare, and 2025 PN7 is one of a handful of known quasi-satellites⁤ of ⁢Earth.

The discovery is ⁤prompting further examination into the asteroid’s origins and its long-term orbital stability. While its‍ departure in 2083 marks the end of its current “companionship” with Earth,⁤ the ⁣data ⁢gathered during its time near our planet will be invaluable​ for understanding the population of near-Earth objects and the gravitational forces that shape their movements.