Astronomers discover temporary "mini-moon" orbiting Earth
Posted: Sat, Feb 29, 2020, 7:55 AM ET (1255 GMT)
Astronomers have discovered a small, temporary second moon orbiting the Earth. The object, 2020 CD3, was seen in mid-February and may be a small asteroid, only several meters in diameter, captured by Earth's gravity in the last 12 to 18 months. Astronomers can't rule out that the object is a rocket stage or other piece of space debris. Whatever its nature, gravitational perturbations mean the object will leave orbit in about two weeks.
Astronomers have discovered a small, temporary second moon orbiting the Earth. The object, 2020 CD3, was seen in mid-February and may be a small asteroid, only several meters in diameter, captured by Earth's gravity in the last 12 to 18 months. Astronomers can't rule out that the object is a rocket stage or other piece of space debris. Whatever its nature, gravitational perturbations mean the object will leave orbit in about two weeks.
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