Does Earth Have Co-Orbital Satellites?

The Earth’s most well-known co-orbital satellite, or object that shares the Earth’s orbit, is the Moon, but scientists believe the Earth has two additional co-orbital satellites: asteroids known as 3753 Cruithne and 2002 AA29. The asteroid known as 3753 Cruithne, sometimes referred to as Earth’s second moon, is more than 3 miles (5 km) across and orbits in sync with the Earth. The Earth’s other co-orbital satellite, 2002 AA29, is much smaller at just 196 feet (60 m) across, and it orbits the Earth in a horseshoe shape. Scientists estimate this smaller co-orbital satellite gets close to Earth every 95 years.

More about Earth:

  • The Earth is actually not a perfect sphere. The distance between the North and South poles is about 26 miles (43 km) less than the Earth's diameter at the Equator.
  • About 70% of the Earth is covered by oceans. The other parts are solid ground above sea level.
  • Scientists believe there could have been a second moon in the past, as evidenced by terrain on the side of the moon that they theorize could be from a another moon crashing into it.
More Info: nasa.gov

Discussion Comments

anon358828

How do we know there weren't bigger animals than the blue whale? For that matter, considering the size and unexplored nature of the seas, how do we know there isn't still some animal living that is larger?

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