Tag Archive for 'Quasi-satellite'

Tianwen-2 captured this image of 2016 HO3 on July 2, 2026 from a distance of about 20 km. Image credit: CNSA.

China’s Tianwen-2 Spacecraft Reaches Earth’s Quasi-Moon after One Billion-Kilometer Journey

Jul 7, 2026 by Natali Anderson

On July 2, 2026, the Tianwen-2 probe closed to within 20 km (12.4 miles) of the small near-Earth asteroid 2016 HO3, one of only seven Earth quasi-satellites...

(3122) Florence will pass safely by Earth on September 1, at a distance of about 4.4 million miles. Image credit: University of Colorado.

Earth Will Have Mini-Moon for Two Months: 2024 PT5

Sep 23, 2024 by Natali Anderson

The recently-discovered near-Earth asteroid called 2024 PT5 will become Earth’s mini-moon from September 29 until November 25, 2024. 2024 PT5...

Earth’s Quasi-Satellite Kamooalewa Could Be Fragment of the Moon

Nov 12, 2021 by Natali Anderson

Using the Large Binocular Telescope and the Lowell Discovery Telescope, astronomers have conducted a comprehensive physical characterization of the near-Earth...

2020 CD3 is estimated to be only between one and six meters across. Image credit: Jonny Lindner.

Earth Has New, Temporary Moon: 2020 CD3

Feb 27, 2020 by The Conversation

The Minor Planet Centre has just announced that our planet has been orbited by a second moon for the past three years or so. Designated 2020 CD3, the object...

Asteroid 2016 HO3 has an orbit around the Sun that keeps it as a constant companion of our planet. This is an artist’s impression of an asteroid. Image credit: Mark A. Garlick, Space-art.co.uk / University of Warwick / University of Cambridge.

Asteroid 2016 HO3 is Earth’s Quasi-Satellite, NASA Astronomers Say

Jun 16, 2016 by Natali Anderson

According to astronomers at NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object (NEO) Studies, a near-Earth asteroid designated 2016 HO3 is currently following a stable...