Earth Gets a New 'Mini-Moon': Space Rock
The Earth has a new temporary companion – a small asteroid, dubbed 2020 CD3, has been orbiting our planet since at least 2018. This "mini-moon" isn't exactly a permanent fixture, however, as it's expected to break free from Earth's gravitational pull within a few months.
What is 2020 CD3?
2020 CD3 is a small asteroid, estimated to be between 1.9 and 3.5 meters wide. That makes it roughly the size of a car, significantly smaller than our own Moon. This "mini-moon" isn't a true satellite, as it doesn't orbit Earth in a stable, predictable pattern. Instead, it's caught in Earth's gravitational pull for a temporary period, acting like a mini-moon.
How did 2020 CD3 become a mini-moon?
The exact origins of 2020 CD3 are still under investigation. However, scientists believe that it likely originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This "mini-moon" was likely nudged from its original orbit by a gravitational interaction with another celestial body, ending up in Earth's neighborhood.
How long will 2020 CD3 remain a mini-moon?
2020 CD3's orbit around Earth is unstable and highly elliptical. It's expected to eventually break free from Earth's gravitational influence, returning to its journey through the solar system. Scientists estimate that 2020 CD3 will be ejected from Earth's orbit sometime in April 2020.
Why is this significant?
The discovery of 2020 CD3 provides valuable insight into the dynamics of our solar system. It demonstrates the potential for small asteroids to become temporarily captured by Earth's gravity, offering a unique opportunity to study their composition and behavior up close.
What happens next?
Scientists are actively tracking 2020 CD3's movement and gathering data to learn more about its characteristics. While this mini-moon will eventually leave our vicinity, the knowledge gained from its temporary presence contributes to our understanding of the celestial dance in our solar system.
This temporary "mini-moon" serves as a reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our celestial neighborhood. As we continue to explore space, we can expect to uncover more fascinating and surprising discoveries about the universe.
