Chinese spacecraft to investigate whether asteroid Kamo'oalewa is a fragment of the Moon
By
Richard de Grijs
Summary
A Chinese spacecraft is set to investigate asteroid 469219 Kamo'oalewa, a quasi-satellite of Earth that may be a fragment of the Moon. Measuring 30-60 metres across, this intriguing space rock follows a remarkably stable orbit near Earth and has puzzled scientists for years. The mission aims to determine its origin and composition.
Source
bskyChinese spacecraft to investigate whether asteroid Kamo'oalewa is a fragment of the Moontheconversation.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledOne of them may, in fact, be a fragment of the Moon itself.
This intriguing quasi-satellite is known as 469219 Kamo'oalewa or 'oscillating celestial object' in Hawaiian, a nod to its apparent path across the sky.
Measuring between 30 and 60 metres across, it follows a remarkably stable orbit.
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