What Is a Mini-Moon and Will One Actually Orbit Earth?
Coming Soon: Earth’s Very Own Mini-Moon?
A small, near-Earth asteroid is making headlines as it’s set to become our planet's temporary companion. Designated 2020 CD3, the asteroid is about the size of a car and is expected to enter Earth's orbit in 2046. Once there, it will circle our planet for about three years before being ejected back into deep space.
What Exactly Is a Mini-Moon?
Mini-moons are small celestial objects that orbit a planet. They are typically asteroids or comets that have been captured by a planet's gravity. Mini-moons are often temporary, orbiting their host planet for a few years or even decades before being ejected. However, some mini-moons, like Earth's current one, can remain in orbit for thousands of years.
Why Is 2020 CD3 Making News?
While Earth has had several mini-moons in the past, 2020 CD3 is unique because it is the first mini-moon to be discovered before it enters Earth's orbit. This has given astronomers a chance to study the asteroid and learn more about its composition and trajectory. 2020 CD3 is also relatively large for a mini-moon, making it easier to observe and track.
Will 2020 CD3 Impact Earth?
No, 2020 CD3 is not expected to impact Earth. The asteroid will pass about 15,000 miles from Earth's surface at its closest point, which is well outside the range of any potential impact.
What Will Happen to 2020 CD3?
After orbiting Earth for about three years, 2020 CD3 will be ejected back into deep space. The asteroid will likely continue to orbit the sun, and it may eventually be captured by the gravity of another planet.
What Can We Learn from 2020 CD3?
2020 CD3 is a valuable opportunity for astronomers to study a mini-moon up close. By observing the asteroid, scientists can learn more about the formation and evolution of these objects. 2020 CD3 can also help scientists better understand the risks posed by near-Earth objects.
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