Quasi-satellite facts for kids
A quasi-satellite is a special kind of astronomical object. It orbits the Sun in a way that keeps it close to a planet.
Even though it stays near a planet, a quasi-satellite doesn't orbit the planet itself. Instead, it crosses the planet's path around the Sun.
What is a Quasi-Satellite?
A quasi-satellite's journey around the Sun takes the exact same amount of time as the planet's journey. Imagine two cars on a race track. They both finish a lap at the same time.
However, the shape of the quasi-satellite's orbit is different from the planet's orbit. This difference is called its eccentricity.
How Quasi-Satellites Move
Quasi-satellites seem to "dance" around a planet. From the planet's view, the quasi-satellite looks like it's making a loop. But from the Sun's view, it's just following its own path.
These orbits are not permanent. Over time, the planet's gravity can't hold onto the quasi-satellite anymore. It will eventually drift away from the planet.
Examples of Quasi-Satellites
Our own planet, Earth, has some quasi-satellites. One famous example is an asteroid named (469219) Kamoʻoalewa. It was discovered in 2016.
Kamoʻoalewa is a small asteroid, only about 40 to 100 meters (130 to 330 feet) wide. It stays close to Earth for many centuries.
Scientists are still studying these interesting objects. They help us understand how different bodies move in our Solar System.
