MEET 2025 PN7, EARTH’S NEW QUASI-MOON

 Hey, Space Placers!


Earth's orbit around the Sun (in blue) contrasts with that of one of its seven quasi-moons, 469219 Kamo'oalewa (shown in yellow and labeled with its provisional designation 2016 HO3). Now, the discovery of 2025 PN7 might have upped the number of Earth's quasi-companions to eight. These objects orbit the Sun but in a way that makes them appear to accompany Earth. The large yellow circle traces Kamo'oalewa's orbit around the Sun; over many orbits, though, the object also traces the series of loops around Earth shown to the right.

NASA / JPL-Caltech

Interesting story.

But does this make Earth a non-planet since it has failed to fulfill item (c) of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) of a planet:

"A planet is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (c) has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit."

Sky Guy in VA

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