Earth has captured a temporary mini-moon, 2026 QQ8, Space.com reports. The IAU’s Minor Planet Center posted it Oct. 29. It entered Earth orbit in April, was first observed in August, and should stick around through December before leaving in 2027.
- Closest approach this stay: about 353,000 miles (568,000 km), farther out than our Moon
- Only about 6 feet (2 meters) across, so it would burn up if it ever hit the atmosphere
- It normally passes Earth about once a decade; this time it came close enough to get caught
My take
A Christmas mini-moon. Temporary, tiny and harmless. Fun.
God Bless, and Happy hacking!
