NASA Discovers New Quasi-Lunar Object to Orbit Earth and Moon for the Next 58 Years

Earth Gains a Temporary Companion: New ‘Quasi-Moon’ Discovered

October 25, 2025

Astronomers have confirmed the existence of a newly identified asteroid, designated 2063 Ln7, that is currently orbiting Earth as a “quasi-moon”. The space rock, first observed on August 2, 2025, by the Pan-STARRS 1-v telescope at the Haleakala Observatory in Hawaii, will share our planet’s orbital path for approximately 58 years, until 2626.

Unlike Earth’s true Moon, 2063 Ln7 isn’t gravitationally bound to our planet. It follows a similar path around the Sun, creating the illusion of orbiting Earth as it moves alongside us. This phenomenon is common among asteroids; several others have been identified as quasi-moons in recent years.

What is a Quasi-Moon?

A quasi-moon is an asteroid that orbits the sun but remains in a stable one-to-one resonance with Earth.This means it takes roughly the same time to orbit the Sun as Earth does, keeping it in a perpetual dance with our planet. This orbital relationship isn’t a stable one in the long term, but it can last for decades or even centuries. It is important to note that quasi-moons are not captured satellites.

Key characteristics of 2063 Ln7

scientists estimate that 2063 Ln7 is relatively small, measuring between 18 and 36 meters in diameter. Its orbit brings it as close as 4 million kilometers to Earth – about ten times the distance to our Moon – and as far as 17 million kilometers. Interestingly, calculations suggest the asteroid has been in this orbital configuration with Earth as the 1950s.

Characteristic	Details
Asteroid Designation	2063 Ln7
revelation Date	august 2, 2025
Estimated Size	18 – 36 meters in diameter
Orbital Period with Earth	Approximately 58 years (until 2626)
Closest Distance to Earth	4 million kilometers
Farthest Distance from Earth	17 million kilometers

Did You Know? While this is exciting news, it’s important to remember that 2063 Ln7 poses no threat to Earth. Its distance is substantial, and its orbit is well-understood.

The discovery highlights the complex dynamic environment around Earth and the ongoing efforts to catalog near-Earth objects.Further study of 2063 Ln7 will offer insights into the origins and evolution of asteroids in our solar system.

Pro Tip: You can track the positions of near-Earth objects, including quasi-moons like 2063 Ln7, using online astronomical databases such as the NASA/JPL Small-Body Database.

The Growing List of Earth’s Quasi-Satellites

2063 Ln7 joins a small but growing list of known quasi-moons. In 2025,the asteroid 2025 PN7 also received attention for its similar orbital characteristics. The discovery of these objects has prompted increased research into the population of near-Earth asteroids and the factors that influence their orbits.Understanding these orbital dynamics is crucial for planetary defence efforts, even though quasi-moons pose no immediate impact threat.

Even though 2063 Ln7 will appear in our skies for nearly six decades, it is indeed just one of many celestial objects that have a temporary relationship with Earth.The continuous monitoring of the skies will undoubtedly lead to the discovery of more quasi-moons and other captivating near-Earth objects.

Frequently Asked Questions about 2063 Ln7

• What is a quasi-moon? A quasi-moon is an asteroid that orbits the sun in a way that appears to orbit Earth, but isn’t gravitationally bound to our planet.
• Is 2063 Ln7 a threat to Earth? No,2063 Ln7 poses no threat to Earth due to its distance and stable,predictable orbit.
• How long will 2063 Ln7 be a quasi-moon? 2063 Ln7 will remain a quasi-moon of earth for approximately 58 years, until 2626.
• How was 2063 Ln7 discovered? It was first observed on August 2, 2025, by the Pan-STARRS 1-v telescope at the Haleakala Observatory in Hawaii.
• What is the size of 2063 Ln7? Scientists estimate it to be between 18 and 36 meters in diameter.
• Are there other quasi-moons orbiting Earth? Yes,other quasi-moons have been identified,including 2025 PN7,and research is ongoing to find more.
• What can studying 2063 Ln7 tell us? Studying this quasi-moon can provide insights into the origins and evolution of asteroids and the dynamics of near-Earth space.

What are your thoughts on Earth’s newest, temporary companion? Do discoveries like this spark your interest in space exploration?

Share this article and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

What makes 2023 FW13’s orbit different from a typical lunar orbit?

What is a Quasi-Lunar Object?

A quasi-lunar object isn’t a customary moon. Instead, it’s an asteroid that has been gravitationally captured by Earth, but not fully. This means it follows an orbit that loops around our planet, appearing to orbit both Earth and the Moon, but isn’t in a stable, long-term lunar orbit. Think of it as a temporary companion. These objects are fascinating because they offer clues about the early solar system and the dynamics of celestial bodies. the term “quasi-satellite” is also frequently used, highlighting their complex orbital relationship.

The Newly Discovered Object: 2023 FW13

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) recently announced the finding of a new quasi-lunar object,designated 2023 FW13. this asteroid, estimated to be around 15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters) in diameter,is currently the largest known quasi-satellite of earth. Its discovery was made using data from the Pan-STARs survey telescope in Hawaii.

Here’s a breakdown of key facts about 2023 FW13:

* Discovery Date: March 28, 2023

* Estimated Size: 15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters)

* Orbital Period: Approximately 1.2 years

* Orbital Path: Highly elliptical and complex, looping around Earth and the Moon.

* Expected Duration of Quasi-lunar Orbit: Approximately 58 years.

How Does 2023 FW13’s Orbit Work?

Unlike our Moon, which is tidally locked and orbits Earth in a relatively stable path, 2023 FW13’s orbit is far more dynamic. It doesn’t circle Earth in a neat, predictable way. Rather, it follows a horseshoe-shaped path.

Here’s a simplified explanation:

1. Initial Capture: The asteroid was likely nudged into this orbit by the gravitational influence of Earth and the Moon.
2. Horseshoe Orbit: As it orbits the Sun, Earth’s gravity pulls 2023 FW13 forward, causing it to slowly drift away from Earth. However, it doesn’t escape entirely.
3. Looping Path: the asteroid loops around Earth, appearing to orbit both our planet and the Moon.
4. Eventual Departure: After approximately 58 years, 2023 FW13 will eventually drift away and resume a more typical asteroid orbit around the Sun.

The Significance of Quasi-lunar Object Research

Studying quasi-lunar objects like 2023 FW13 provides valuable insights into several areas of space science:

* Near-Earth Object (NEO) Population: These objects help us understand the distribution and characteristics of NEOs, which are asteroids and comets that come close to Earth.

* Solar System Formation: Their composition can offer clues about the materials present in the early solar system. Analyzing their spectral properties can reveal their origin and history.

* Gravitational Dynamics: Quasi-lunar orbits are complex and provide a natural laboratory for studying gravitational interactions.

* Potential Resource Utilization: While 2023 FW13 is relatively small, larger quasi-lunar objects could possibly be sources of valuable resources in the future, such as water or rare metals. this is a long-term consideration, but a growing area of interest in space exploration.

Tracking and Monitoring 2023 FW13

NASA’s JPL is continuously tracking 2023 FW13 to refine its orbital parameters and assess any potential risk of impact with Earth. Though, current calculations indicate that the asteroid poses no threat.

* JPL Small-Body Database: