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New Quasi-Moon Discovered: Earth’s Hidden 60-Year Companion

9/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Astronomers identified a new quasi-moon of Earth, named 2025 PN7, which has been trailing the planet for about 60 years.
This object, roughly 19 meters (62 feet) wide, was first spotted on August 29, 2025, using the Pan-STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii.
2025 PN7 orbits the sun similarly to Earth, classifying it as a quasi-satellite.
Its small size and low brightness have made it challenging to detect, rendering it nearly invisible at times.
The asteroid likely entered its quasi-moon orbit in 1957 and is expected to exit this status in 2083.

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Story summary

Astronomers identified a new quasi-moon of Earth, named 2025 PN7, which has been trailing the planet for about 60 years.
This object, roughly 19 meters (62 feet) wide, was first spotted on August 29, 2025, using the Pan-STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii.
2025 PN7 orbits the sun similarly to Earth, classifying it as a quasi-satellite.
Its small size and low brightness have made it challenging to detect, rendering it nearly invisible at times.
The asteroid likely entered its quasi-moon orbit in 1957 and is expected to exit this status in 2083.