Earth's quasi or mini moon

Live Science ^ | 11/11/2021 | Brandon Spector

[Omnivore-Dan]

Apparently Earth has at least one, and probably several "mini moons" that follow Earth's orbit around the sun, and most likely come from chunks of Earth's moon blasted out from collisions with meteors and asteroids. Interesting, didn't know anything about this.

[Omnivore-Dan]

The asteroid Kamo`oalewa passes within 9 million miles of Earth every April. It may have once been part of our moon.

[alexander_busek]

According to the study authors, the asteroid will remain in its current orbit for another 300 years or so before finally escaping into space.

What a coincidence that we should just happen to be here, with the technological capabilities to observe it, before it "wanders away."

Me thinks the author is playing a little loose with the facts - understandably, since he's writing for a lay public.

Regards,

[Omnivore-Dan]

There is more recent data that suggests it may temporarily leave it’s orbit, but then come back into it. Very strange, if I can find the article again, I’ll post it.

[Omnivore-Dan]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/469219_Kamo%CA%BBoalewa

[SunkenCiv]

welcome to FR.

https://freerepublic.com/tag/cruithne/index