Archive · 18 Sep 2025
New Quasi-Moon 2025 PN7 Discovered, Orbiting Earth
Imagine a small space object that appears to orbit Earth, but really orbits the Sun in a similar path.
Astronomers found one, named 2025 PN7, which has been near Earth for about 60 years, though unnoticed due to its faintness.
This quasi-moon is small, about 62 feet in diameter, and follows an Earth-like path.
Scientists study these objects to learn about the solar system.
It's expected to remain in its current pattern for another 60 years.
Astronomers discovered a new quasi-moon named 2025 PN7.
The quasi-moon has been orbiting near Earth for roughly 60 years.
It is about 62 feet in diameter.
Quasi-moons orbit the Sun in a similar path as Earth.
The discovery was published in Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society (AAS).
- Who
- Astronomers
- What
- Discovered a new quasi-moon
- When
- Reported on August 30, 2025, published September 2
- Where
- Near Earth
- Why
- To expand understanding of space objects
- Name
- 2025 PN7
- Type
- Quasi-moon
- Diameter
- 62 feet (19 meters)
- Estimated Time Near Earth
- About 60 years
- Discovery Date
- August 30, 2025 (reported by Adrien Coffinet); published September 2
- Orbit Range From Earth
- 2.8 to 37 million miles
