In a remarkable discovery, scientists have identified an asteroid, designated 2023 FW13, that is accompanying Earth in its annual orbit around the Sun. This celestial body, termed a “quasi-moon” or “quasi-satellite,” has garnered significant attention from experts.
Asteroid characteristics and discovery
Asteroid 2023 FW13, measuring approximately 50 feet (15 meters) in diameter, is situated nearly nine million miles from Earth. Classified as a “quasi-moon,” the asteroid orbits the Sun in a similar time frame as Earth, influenced by our planet’s gravitational pull.
The asteroid was first observed on March 28, 2023, using the Pan-STARRS survey telescope, located atop Haleakala, a dormant volcano on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Its presence was later confirmed by the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and two observatories in Arizona: the Kitt Peak National Observatory and Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter. The Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union officially listed the asteroid on April 1, overseeing new celestial designations.
Asteroid 2023 FW13: Classification and analysis
Journalist and astronomer Adrien Coffinet brought attention to the asteroid’s listing, utilizing an orbit simulator developed by amateur astronomer Tony Dunn. The simulation revealed that 2023 FW13 revolves around the Sun in tandem with Earth, leading Coffinet to classify it as a “quasi-moon.” However, Alan Harris, a senior research scientist at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colorado, suggested that calling it a “quasi-satellite” might be somewhat exaggerated, given Earth’s role in its motion.
Historical and future trajectory
Scientists believe that 2023 FW13 has been Earth’s cosmic companion since at least 100 BCE and will continue to follow our planet in its orbit until around 3700 CE. Coffinet noted, “It seems to be the longest quasi-satellite of Earth known to date.”
Despite its proximity, the asteroid poses no collision threat to Earth. Harris reassured, “The good news is, such an orbit doesn’t result in an impacting trajectory ‘out of the blue.’”
This discovery adds a fascinating chapter to our understanding of near-Earth objects and their complex interactions with our planet.