In a revelation that rewrites what we know about our cosmic neighbourhood, astronomers have discovered that Earth isn't just accompanied by our familiar Moon – it has six additional 'hidden' companions orbiting alongside us in the solar system.
Cosmic Companions Hidden in Plain Sight
These elusive celestial bodies, dubbed 'mini-moons', are temporarily captured asteroids that enter Earth's gravitational pull before being flung back into space. Ranging from 1-2 metres in diameter, they're far smaller than our Moon but represent a fascinating astronomical phenomenon.
Why Haven't We Noticed Them Before?
The challenge lies in detection:
- Their small size makes them extremely faint
- They move unpredictably at high speeds
- Most stay in orbit for less than a year before escaping
"These mini-moons are like cosmic hitchhikers," explains Dr. Robert Jedicke of the University of Hawaii. "They join Earth's journey around the Sun for a short while before moving on."
A New Frontier for Space Exploration
Scientists believe studying these temporary moons could:
- Provide insights into asteroid composition
- Offer practice for future asteroid mining missions
- Help develop planetary defence strategies
"The next generation of telescopes will likely find hundreds more of these objects," predicts Dr. Mikael Granvik from Luleå University of Technology.
