Astronomers have found that Earth has acquired a new cosmic partner, a tiny asteroid named 2025 PN7, which will orbit with our planet for approximately 50 years. Though described by some as a "mini-moon," scientists clarify that it is not actually a satellite like our Moon. Rather, it's a quasi-moon, an uncommon variety of asteroid that moves in almost the same orbit and velocity as Earth around the Sun, giving the illusion that it is orbiting our planet. Measured to be roughly 19 metres in diameter, 2025 PN7 was discovered in August 2025 and is set to continue being close to Earth's orbit until some time after 2083 before slowly moving away into outer space.
Discovery of asteroid 2025 PN7 : Earth's new quasi-moon and its orbit to 2083
As reported by Euro Weekly News, the newly discovered asteroid, which is approximately 19 metres in diameter, was originally spotted in August 2025 by astronomers using a high-powered telescope in Hawaii. Initial observations indicate that 2025 PN7 has been traveling along a trajectory near Earth's orbit for some decades, having eluded detection because it is very small and only very faint.
By present estimates, this space traveler will continue to be gravitationally bound to Earth until about 2083, when it will begin to slowly drift away into the outer reaches of space. Scientists are currently tracking its path to learn more about how long it will maintain this tenuous dance around our planet.
What is a quasi-moon
A quasi-moon is a special type of celestial body that appears to revolve around Earth but actually orbits the Sun. Its orbital time is so close to Earth's that it resembles pursuing our planet around space, tracing a beautiful looping path as seen from Earth.
This visual illusion happens because both bodies share nearly the same orbital speed around the Sun. As Earth completes one full year, so does the quasi-moon, appearing to trace a shifting figure-eight pattern in our sky.
How a quasi-moon differs from a true moon
In contrast to our own natural Moon, whose gravity forces it forever into orbit around Earth, a quasi-moon retains its freedom. It is merely indirectly tied by Earth's gravity, never caught entirely. This light touch enables it to remain close for years or even centuries before finally moving away.
Earlier instances, like Kamo'oalewa and 2023 FW13, have shown comparable orbital behaviors, but none have stayed this long. These temporary companions prompt researchers to remember just how active and interlinked the solar system's small objects might be.
Watching 2025 PN7: Safety comes first, science second
Close as it is to the orbit of Earth, 2025 PN7 presents no danger to our world. It never comes within any distance of our atmosphere or the Moon's orbit. Rather, it sits millions of kilometres distant, secure in a harmonious orbital union.
For scientists, this asteroid is a challenging area of research instead of the possible danger. By observing 2025 PN7, researchers can better understand the gravitational interactions that maintain such tiny objects in stable co-orbital orbits, knowledge that can advance our understanding of the early evolution of the solar system, when numerous such gravitational waltzes took place among newly created planets and remnants.
Why scientists are excited about 2025 PN7
Orbits such as 2025 PN7 are cosmic laboratories in space where scientists can study the dynamics of orbital stability, radiation from the Sun, and asteroid movements. Since these quasi-moons move at close to the same velocity as Earth, they are regarded as ideal targets for future space missions.
Their proximity makes them more accessible with less fuel than other celestial targets. By launching spacecraft to such bodies, scientists hope to shed light on critical information about asteroid composition, perhaps uncovering remnants of the same materials that helped build Earth billions of years ago.
In addition, radar and optical follow-up of 2025 PN7 will improve models of the orbit of other temporary moons that could cut across Earth's orbit in the future.
Also Read | NASA opens SpaceX’s moon lander contract to rivals amid Starship delays, sparking new competition for Artemis 3 mission
Discovery of asteroid 2025 PN7 : Earth's new quasi-moon and its orbit to 2083
As reported by Euro Weekly News, the newly discovered asteroid, which is approximately 19 metres in diameter, was originally spotted in August 2025 by astronomers using a high-powered telescope in Hawaii. Initial observations indicate that 2025 PN7 has been traveling along a trajectory near Earth's orbit for some decades, having eluded detection because it is very small and only very faint.
By present estimates, this space traveler will continue to be gravitationally bound to Earth until about 2083, when it will begin to slowly drift away into the outer reaches of space. Scientists are currently tracking its path to learn more about how long it will maintain this tenuous dance around our planet.
What is a quasi-moon
A quasi-moon is a special type of celestial body that appears to revolve around Earth but actually orbits the Sun. Its orbital time is so close to Earth's that it resembles pursuing our planet around space, tracing a beautiful looping path as seen from Earth.
This visual illusion happens because both bodies share nearly the same orbital speed around the Sun. As Earth completes one full year, so does the quasi-moon, appearing to trace a shifting figure-eight pattern in our sky.
How a quasi-moon differs from a true moon
In contrast to our own natural Moon, whose gravity forces it forever into orbit around Earth, a quasi-moon retains its freedom. It is merely indirectly tied by Earth's gravity, never caught entirely. This light touch enables it to remain close for years or even centuries before finally moving away.
Earlier instances, like Kamo'oalewa and 2023 FW13, have shown comparable orbital behaviors, but none have stayed this long. These temporary companions prompt researchers to remember just how active and interlinked the solar system's small objects might be.
Watching 2025 PN7: Safety comes first, science second
Close as it is to the orbit of Earth, 2025 PN7 presents no danger to our world. It never comes within any distance of our atmosphere or the Moon's orbit. Rather, it sits millions of kilometres distant, secure in a harmonious orbital union.
For scientists, this asteroid is a challenging area of research instead of the possible danger. By observing 2025 PN7, researchers can better understand the gravitational interactions that maintain such tiny objects in stable co-orbital orbits, knowledge that can advance our understanding of the early evolution of the solar system, when numerous such gravitational waltzes took place among newly created planets and remnants.
Why scientists are excited about 2025 PN7
Orbits such as 2025 PN7 are cosmic laboratories in space where scientists can study the dynamics of orbital stability, radiation from the Sun, and asteroid movements. Since these quasi-moons move at close to the same velocity as Earth, they are regarded as ideal targets for future space missions.
Their proximity makes them more accessible with less fuel than other celestial targets. By launching spacecraft to such bodies, scientists hope to shed light on critical information about asteroid composition, perhaps uncovering remnants of the same materials that helped build Earth billions of years ago.
In addition, radar and optical follow-up of 2025 PN7 will improve models of the orbit of other temporary moons that could cut across Earth's orbit in the future.
Also Read | NASA opens SpaceX’s moon lander contract to rivals amid Starship delays, sparking new competition for Artemis 3 mission
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