Mini-Moon

A Mini-Moon is a temporary natural satellite that is captured by a planet’s gravity for a short period before eventually escaping back into space. Unlike traditional moons, which are larger and remain in orbit for extended periods, Mini-Moons are small (typically ranging from a few meters to several meters in diameter) and usually have irregular shapes. They can be fragments of asteroids or debris from collisions in space. The term became more commonly used after discoveries of such objects, particularly those orbiting Earth. A notable example of a Mini-Moon is 2006 RH120, which orbited Earth for several months before departing. The study of Mini-Moons helps scientists understand more about the dynamics of our solar system and the mechanisms behind satellite capture.