Scientists Discover Second Moon Close to Earth, Will Stay for at Least 1,500 Years

Scientists have discovered a new asteroid near the Earth. It has been considered a ‘quasi moon’ or ‘quasi satellite’. It revolves around the Sun in the same period as the Earth. It has been called FW13. Along with revolving around the Sun, it also revolves around the Earth.

According to the report of Live Science, this moon has a diameter of 3,474 kilometers and while revolving around the Earth, it is 36,400 kilometers away at its nearest point. It was discovered by the Pan-STARRS Observatory in March. After this, its presence was confirmed by the telescope in Hawaii, USA and two observatories in Arizona. After this, the Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union, which nominates new planets and other astronomical objects, has officially included it in the list. This quasi-moon has been near Earth since about 100 BC and may have existed until about 3,700 AD. Despite its orbiting close to the Earth, there is no possibility of it colliding with the Earth. Some researchers believe that it may be much smaller in size than the Earth’s Moon.

The third edition of India’s Moon mission can be launched in July. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has given this information. Its three objectives are safe landing on the lunar surface, demonstration of rotation of the spacecraft on the Moon and conducting scientific experiments. This mission will be launched using LVM3 rocket from SDSC SHAR Center in Sriharikota. Chandrayaan 3 is to be launched after Chandrayaan 2 to demonstrate the capability of safe landing and movement on the lunar surface. ISRO Chairman, S Somnath had said that Chandrayaan 3 will be launched in July. Chandrayaan 3 mission includes a lander module, propulsion module and a rover developed in the country.

Earlier this year, ISRO and global software company Microsoft had signed an agreement to increase the growth of space technology startups. Under this, these startups will be strengthened through technology, market-related help and mentoring. Microsoft had said that this partnership will help in ISRO’s plan to promote emerging space technology innovators and entrepreneurs in the country.