Astronomers have confirmed that Earth has a new temporary mini-moon , a small asteroid designated 2025 PN7, which has recently joined our planet’s orbit. Measuring roughly 62 feet in diameter, this quasi-moon is not permanently bound like the Moon but instead follows a looping trajectory that keeps it near Earth for decades. Its discovery offers scientists a unique opportunity to study the intricacies of near-Earth objects and the dynamic gravitational interactions that govern their movements. Quasi-moons like 2025 PN7 belong to a special class of asteroids known as the Arjuna population, which share Earth-like orbits around the Sun. Observing such objects helps astronomers better understand the complex, ever-changing nature of Earth’s cosmic neighbourhood and the broader Solar System.
Understanding 2025 PN7 Earth’s newly discovered mini-moon
2025 PN7 is a small quasi-moon measuring about 62 feet in diameter, roughly the size of a large bus. It has a magnitude of 26, meaning it is extremely faint and difficult to observe through standard amateur telescopes. Despite its size, it is significant because it temporarily shares an orbit with Earth, making it appear as if it is circling our planet.
Unlike the Moon, 2025 PN7 is not gravitationally bound to Earth in the traditional sense. Instead, it follows a looping trajectory that keeps it near our planet for decades before it eventually drifts away. Earth occasionally captures small objects like 2025 PN7 into temporary orbits. These are commonly referred to as mini-moons or quasi-satellites. Unlike permanent moons, these objects are not held tightly by Earth’s gravity but instead travel in Earth-like orbits around the Sun, occasionally looping near our planet.
Astronomers classify many of these objects in what is called the Arjuna asteroid population, a group of near-Earth asteroids with orbital paths very similar to Earth’s. Their movements are delicate, influenced by both the Sun and Earth, creating a temporary gravitational balance that allows them to remain in Earth’s vicinity for long periods.
2025 PN7 re-discovery reveals decades-long stable quasi-moon orbit
Although 2025 PN7 was initially discovered roughly 60 years ago, it was recently re-observed on 29 August 2025 by the Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii. Its re-discovery confirmed that it had been quietly orbiting near Earth for decades, demonstrating remarkable orbital stability. Scientists estimate that 2025 PN7 will continue its quasi-satellite orbit around Earth until at least the 2080s. The distinction between quasi-moons and temporary mini-moons lies in their orbital behaviour. Quasi-moons like 2025 PN7 share nearly the same orbital period as Earth, completing a revolution around the Sun in roughly one year. However, their paths deviate slightly, causing them to drift closer to and farther from Earth over time.
In contrast, mini-moons are captured temporarily and usually remain near Earth for only a few months to a few years before returning to a solar orbit. Quasi-moons, however, maintain a more stable, looping presence, giving astronomers a unique opportunity to study long-term interactions between small bodies and our planet.
2025 PN7 joins Earth’s growing family of quasi-satellites
2025 PN7 joins a growing family of near-Earth quasi-satellites. Some notable examples include: Kamo‘oalewa (2016 HO3), Cardea (2004 GU9), 2013 LX28, 2014 OL339, and 2023 FW13. These objects help scientists understand the dynamics of small bodies in the Earth–Moon system and the broader Solar System. The discovery of 2025 PN7 is more than a curiosity. Its stable orbit provides astronomers with valuable data on orbital mechanics, gravitational resonance, and the behaviour of near-Earth asteroids. Studying such quasi-moons helps scientists model how small bodies interact with Earth and the Moon, offering insights into the formation of secondary asteroid belts and the history of our Solar System.
Also Read | Elon Musk slams NASA acting chief Sean Duffy on social media for favouring SpaceX rivals in moon mission contracts
Understanding 2025 PN7 Earth’s newly discovered mini-moon
2025 PN7 is a small quasi-moon measuring about 62 feet in diameter, roughly the size of a large bus. It has a magnitude of 26, meaning it is extremely faint and difficult to observe through standard amateur telescopes. Despite its size, it is significant because it temporarily shares an orbit with Earth, making it appear as if it is circling our planet.
Unlike the Moon, 2025 PN7 is not gravitationally bound to Earth in the traditional sense. Instead, it follows a looping trajectory that keeps it near our planet for decades before it eventually drifts away. Earth occasionally captures small objects like 2025 PN7 into temporary orbits. These are commonly referred to as mini-moons or quasi-satellites. Unlike permanent moons, these objects are not held tightly by Earth’s gravity but instead travel in Earth-like orbits around the Sun, occasionally looping near our planet.
Astronomers classify many of these objects in what is called the Arjuna asteroid population, a group of near-Earth asteroids with orbital paths very similar to Earth’s. Their movements are delicate, influenced by both the Sun and Earth, creating a temporary gravitational balance that allows them to remain in Earth’s vicinity for long periods.
2025 PN7 re-discovery reveals decades-long stable quasi-moon orbit
Although 2025 PN7 was initially discovered roughly 60 years ago, it was recently re-observed on 29 August 2025 by the Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii. Its re-discovery confirmed that it had been quietly orbiting near Earth for decades, demonstrating remarkable orbital stability. Scientists estimate that 2025 PN7 will continue its quasi-satellite orbit around Earth until at least the 2080s. The distinction between quasi-moons and temporary mini-moons lies in their orbital behaviour. Quasi-moons like 2025 PN7 share nearly the same orbital period as Earth, completing a revolution around the Sun in roughly one year. However, their paths deviate slightly, causing them to drift closer to and farther from Earth over time.
In contrast, mini-moons are captured temporarily and usually remain near Earth for only a few months to a few years before returning to a solar orbit. Quasi-moons, however, maintain a more stable, looping presence, giving astronomers a unique opportunity to study long-term interactions between small bodies and our planet.
2025 PN7 joins Earth’s growing family of quasi-satellites
2025 PN7 joins a growing family of near-Earth quasi-satellites. Some notable examples include: Kamo‘oalewa (2016 HO3), Cardea (2004 GU9), 2013 LX28, 2014 OL339, and 2023 FW13. These objects help scientists understand the dynamics of small bodies in the Earth–Moon system and the broader Solar System. The discovery of 2025 PN7 is more than a curiosity. Its stable orbit provides astronomers with valuable data on orbital mechanics, gravitational resonance, and the behaviour of near-Earth asteroids. Studying such quasi-moons helps scientists model how small bodies interact with Earth and the Moon, offering insights into the formation of secondary asteroid belts and the history of our Solar System.
Also Read | Elon Musk slams NASA acting chief Sean Duffy on social media for favouring SpaceX rivals in moon mission contracts
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