Source: Live Science, LM
Context: A recently discovered asteroid, named 2023 FW13, has been identified as a “quasi-moon” or “quasi-satellite” of Earth.
What is “quasi-moon”?
A quasi-moon is a term used to describe an asteroid or space rock that orbits the sun in a similar time frame as Earth but is only slightly influenced by Earth’s gravitational pull. It appears to accompany Earth during its yearly journey around the sun but is not a natural satellite like the moon.
About 2023 FW13:
It orbits the sun in a similar time frame as Earth but is only minimally affected by Earth’s gravitational pull. Estimated to be 50 feet in diameter, it comes within 9 million miles of Earth during its orbit. The asteroid was first observed in March and has likely been travelling alongside Earth since around 100 B.C. It is considered to be the longest-known quasi-satellite of Earth. Although it is in close proximity to Earth, there is no imminent risk of a collision. Another quasi-satellite called Kamo’oalewa was discovered in 2016, which may potentially be a fragment of Earth’s moon.
