Overview
- First spotted in August by the Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii, the object was reported to the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center for confirmation.
- PN7 follows a Sun-centered path that closely matches Earth’s, making it a quasi-satellite rather than a true Earth-orbiting ‘mini-moon.’
- Astronomers expect the asteroid to keep this companion-like configuration for roughly six more decades before departing around 2083.
- Because it is extremely faint, size estimates remain uncertain, ranging from about 52 feet to potentially up to 118 feet across, with follow-up observations underway.
- Researchers say PN7 poses no danger to Earth and could be a practical target for unmanned mission demonstrations, though viewing it requires powerful telescopes and curated exhibits.