Scientists reveal six moons orbiting Earth

Astronomers have revealed that Earth has more than one moon, discovering a surprising number of tiny satellites.

Scientists find six additional moons orbiting Earth

Recent research indicates that Earth has at least six tiny moons, known as minimoons. A team of international scientists found that these bodies are generally around six feet in diameter and are formed from lunar debris created by asteroids impacting the moon's surface. The study suggests that these minimoons can stay in stable orbits around Earth for extended periods, only to eventually escape back into the sun's gravitational pull. The two notable examples, Kamo'oalewa and 2024 PT5, show signs of being fragments of the moon, challenging previous assumptions that these temporary satellites originate from the asteroid belt. These findings highlight a fundamental shift in our understanding of the Earth-Moon system, raising intriguing questions about the materials that form our moon and the dynamics of celestial movements.

This discovery transforms our understanding of our celestial neighborhood. It suggests that Earth's relationship with these minimoons is more complex than previously thought. Until now, scientists largely believed that temporary bodies in orbit were primarily asteroids from the asteroid belt. However, the evidence pointing to these objects being moon fragments introduces a new narrative about the origins of our moon, hinting at a dynamic cycle of formation and destruction among its smaller counterparts. As researchers continue to investigate these minimoons, we may uncover even more about the history and evolution of both Earth and its satellite.

Highlights

Future studies may reveal even more about our moon's hidden companions.