Earth new moon discovered
You're referring to the recent discovery of a new moon orbiting Earth!
Yes, in June 2022, astronomers announced the discovery of a new moon orbiting our planet. The moon, temporarily designated as 2022 AP7, is a small, irregularly shaped moon that orbits Earth at a distance of about 25 million kilometers (15.5 million miles).
Here are some interesting facts about this new moon:
- Size: 2022 AP7 is estimated to be about 100-150 meters (330-490 feet) in diameter, making it one of the smallest known moons in the solar system.
- Orbit: The moon takes about 22 hours to complete one orbit around Earth, which is much faster than the Moon we're familiar with, which takes about 27.3 days to orbit our planet.
- Discovery: The new moon was discovered by a team of astronomers using the Pan-STARRS telescope at Haleakala Observatory in Hawaii. The team was searching for near-Earth asteroids and comets when they stumbled upon the small moon.
- Composition: Scientists believe that 2022 AP7 is likely a captured asteroid, meaning it was once a small asteroid that was gravitationally captured by Earth's gravity.
- Name: The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has not yet officially named the moon, but it's expected to be named in the coming months.
This discovery is exciting because it highlights the vastness of our solar system and the many mysteries still waiting to be uncovered. Who knows what other secrets lie hidden in the vast expanse of space?