Earth Gains A New Quasi-Moon: Scientists Name It Arjuna 2025 PN7

Astronomers have identified a small near-Earth asteroid named 2025 PN7 (nick-named Arjuna) that is in a 1:1 orbital resonance with Earth, making it a quasi-satellite rather than a conventional moon. Estimated to be roughly 19–30 meters across, it appears to loop near Earth’s orbit and will remain in this configuration for decades, offering scientists insights into Earth’s close-space environment and asteroid dynamics.

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Earth Gains A New Quasi-Moon: Scientists Name It Arjuna 2025 PN7
Science & Tech • 64 days ago • 2082 views

Earth Gains A New Quasi-Moon: Scientists Name It Arjuna 2025 PN7

IN SHORTAstronomers have identified a small near-Earth asteroid named 2025 PN7 (nick-named Arjuna) that is in a 1:1 orbital resonance with Earth, making it a quasi-satellite rather than a conventional moon. Estimated to be roughly 19–30 meters across, it appears to loop near Earth’s orbit and will remain in this configuration for decades, offering scientists insights into Earth’s close-space environment and asteroid dynamics.

TL;DR

  • 2025 PN7 belongs to the Arjuna class of asteroids with Earth-like orbits, discovered by the Pan-STARRS survey.
  • Although it appears like a second moon, it is not gravitationally bound to Earth and will eventually drift away.
  • The rock is estimated around 18–36 m in diameter and was likely already near Earth since the 1960s, though only recognised in 2025.
  • Researchers highlight that quasi-moons like this might make prime exploration targets or help understand near-Earth objects and planetary defence.

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