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Earth May Harbor 6.5 Elusive 'Minimoons' in Orbit

7/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Exciting new research reveals that Earth could host as many as 6.5 tiny lunar fragments, dubbed "minimoons," that briefly orbit our planet before heading back to the sun. These elusive objects, typically under 6.5 feet wide, present a unique challenge for detection. Studying them could unlock secrets about lunar impacts and the evolution of our solar system, while also paving the way for future resource extraction opportunities.

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Story summary

Exciting new research reveals that Earth could host as many as 6.5 tiny lunar fragments, dubbed "minimoons," that briefly orbit our planet before heading back to the sun. These elusive objects, typically under 6.5 feet wide, present a unique challenge for detection. Studying them could unlock secrets about lunar impacts and the evolution of our solar system, while also paving the way for future resource extraction opportunities.