Earth's Temporary Minimoon: A Brief Farewell to 2020 SO
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Earth's Minimoon
Last summer, Earth gained a new celestial companion. This was not a typical moon sighting; rather, it was a so-called "minimoon." Occasionally, Earth's gravity captures wandering space rocks, which then orbit our planet in unpredictable paths before escaping. The object designated as 2020 SO turned out to be a relic of the 1960s—a discarded rocket booster. However, this temporary satellite is about to exit our vicinity, heading back into the vastness of space.
While the term "minimoon" may imply a natural celestial body, it encompasses artificial objects as well. In December, 2020 SO made its closest approach to Earth, just a day before NASA verified its identity as the long-lost Centaur rocket. Following this close encounter, it embarked on a lengthy elliptical trajectory beyond the moon's orbit, preparing for a final farewell before leaving for good.
Section 1.1: The Discovery of 2020 SO
Scientists began to suspect something unusual about 2020 SO when it was first observed in telescopes last September. Its orbital tilt closely mirrored that of Earth, and it was moving at a notably slower pace than typical near-Earth asteroids. Speculation arose that 2020 SO was indeed a Centaur rocket booster from the 1966 Surveyor 2 mission, which unfortunately crashed on the moon due to engine failure. The estimated dimensions of 2020 SO, ranging from 21 to 46 feet (6.4 to 14 meters), corresponded with those of the Centaur booster, which stood at 41.6 feet (12.68 meters).
Section 1.2: Historical Context of 2020 SO
NASA's investigations revealed that 2020 SO had made several prior approaches to Earth, including close passes in 1966 shortly after its launch and again in 1971. This historical data helped confirm the object's identity.
Chapter 2: The Departure of 2020 SO
On February 2nd, 2024, astronomers predict that 2020 SO will pass within approximately 140,000 miles (220,000 kilometers) of Earth—much farther than its last orbit, situated midway between our planet and the moon. Following this encounter, the object will gain enough momentum from Earth's gravitational pull to break free from our orbit. Consequently, it will only be influenced by the sun's gravity, making it highly improbable that it will return to visit us again. Farewell, 2020 SO.
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The first video explores the phenomenon of Earth's temporary minimoon, providing insights into its brief existence and eventual departure.
In the second video, the focus shifts to the possibility of Earth losing its moon permanently, delving into the implications and future of our planet's relationship with its natural satellite.