Scientists from the University of Arizona have made an intriguing discovery regarding a near-Earth asteroid called Kamo’oalewa. They believe that this asteroid might be a fragment of the moon, challenging previous assumptions about the origins of such asteroids. Kamo’oalewa is unique as Earth’s quasi-satellite, meaning its orbit closely resembles that of Earth. Unlike other asteroids with Earth-like orbits, Kamo’oalewa is expected to remain alongside our planet for millions of years. Through numerical simulations, astronomers determined that certain lunar fragments could reach such orbits, suggesting that Kamo’oalewa may be one of them. This finding is significant for researchers studying the origins and behavior of near-Earth asteroids and impact mechanics. The team plans to further explore Kamo’oalewa’s unique orbital pathway and determine its precise age to gain more insights into its lunar origin.
https://www.spacechatter.com/2023/10/25/moon-fragment-near-earth-asteroid-kamooalewa/