2025 PN7 was recently discovered and has opened up a new path in the scientific world of so-called quasi-satellites found around the Moon. Pan-STARRS1, a telescope in Hawaii, discovered 2025 PN7, which is an asteroid close to Earth. It should be noted that this is a major advance in space exploration. The Vera Rubin Observatory is already studying this major advance in relation to the solar system. NASA also states that these types of bodies are perfect for testing asteroid mining. Read on to find out more.
What you must know about astronomical exploration
Since the beginning of astronomical exploration, we’ve always been progressively curious about what lies under our immediate perspective, such as the moon. And then, with the progress of telescopes and space missions, more and more achievments are being carried out, but some continue to surprise us. It’s no surprise that lately, a recently discovery caught the attention of astronomers: a happening that could shift what we have in our mind about the dynamics of objects near Earth.
Many questions: is it a moon, or just a cosmic illusion?
This object, more precisely a rock, is not clear from human eyes for over 60 years, showed a peculiar behavior, almost as if it were a moon, but without actually being one. Its presence provocated our comprehension of how these celestial bodies jpin with Earth and the Sun.
During the time we talk about asteroids and near-Earth bodies, we normally picture in our mind objects that cross our orbit, or natural satellites such as the Moon. But what few people are conscious about is that there are asteroids whose orbits happen to go behind Earth’s, creating the illusion that they are, in some way, its satellites. In the case of the most recent achivement, astronomers have showed that a rocky body that, based on its orbit, appears to “dance” around Earth like our Moon.
A recent object not far from Earth is fascinating space investigators
We’re talking about the body named as 2025 PN7. It follows a complex trajectory, with periods at the time it is close to an Earth, coming as near as about 186,000 miles (299,337 km), which is close to the average distance of the Moon. Nevertheless, its orbit is not entirely stable. During some periods, it continuous a “horse-in-a-horse” orbit, meaning it moves very far from Earth, up to 185 million miles (297 million km).
Hidden companions or overlooked wanderers?
Actually, 2025 PN7 follows a uncommon trajectory, with periods when it get close to the Earth, coming as close as about 186,000 miles (299,337 km), which is roughly the average distance from the Moon. Nevertheless, its orbit is not entirely stable. During some periods, it follows a “horse-in-a-horse” orbit, meaning it moves very far from Earth, up to 185 million miles (297 million km). And it was only recognize thanks to the careful observation of a group of astronomers using Pan-STARRS1, whose location is in Hawaii.
As technology evolves, nevertheless, telescopes such as the Vera Rubin Observatory, which will be operational in the next years, should extend the capacity to discover small, distant objects, revealing even more of Earth’s “invisible companions” (many are already saying that the Rubin Observatory rewrites cosmic surveillance).
Cosmic stepping stones or missed chances?
2025 PN7 is one of many asteroids that keep in orbits that somewhat mimic those of moons, but are not truly Earth-bound. These objects, named as quasi-moons, could have short lifespans, but they still present incredible chances for space investigation. This is due to the fact these near-Earth bodies are perfect candidates for space missions. After all, they are accessible for long periods, offering less risk and more chances for study.
In other words, the achievment of 2025 PN7 opens a new window in the exploration of near-Earth asteroids. They can be used to examine new planetary exploration technologies at a lower cost than more distant asteroids.
In addition, these objects might aid in the investigation for valuable materials in space as part of future asteroid mining projects. At the same time they don’t pose an imminent threat, studying these celestial bodies can provide significant answers about the formation of the solar system and asteroids in our neighborhood.
