Tag: orbital dynamics
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Could TRAPPIST-1’s Seven Worlds Host Moons? Exploring Exomoons in a Tight System
Introduction: A compact constellation around a red dwarf TRAPPIST-1 has long fascinated astronomers and stargazers alike. Nestled about 40 light-years away, this compact system features seven Earth-sized planets orbiting a dim red dwarf star in a remarkably tight arrangement. With planets packed closer to their star than Mercury is to the Sun, the big question…
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Earth’s Quasi Moon: NASA confirms 2025 PN7’s 50-year stay
Introduction: A new quasi-moon near Earth In a surprising turn for astronomy, NASA has acknowledged the existence of a small asteroid known as 2025 PN7 that shares a unique relationship with our planet. While not a true moon, this object follows a path that keeps it in the vicinity of Earth for an extended period—potentially…
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How Asteroids Spin and Where to Hit Them: New Insights from Gaia Data and Safe-Strike Mapping
Understanding asteroid spin: two forces at work Astronomers are uncovering why some asteroids rotate smoothly like a spinning top while others tumble chaotically. Two recent studies presented at the Europlanet Science Congress in Helsinki shed light on the physics behind asteroid rotation and how this knowledge can improve planetary defense strategies. One research team, led…
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Since 60 Years: What Is a Quasi-Moon and Why It Silently Orbits Earth
What is a quasi-moon? A quasi-moon is a curious kind of space object that shares a path with Earth around the Sun but does not orbit Earth in the way the Moon does. Instead of being permanently bound by Earth’s gravity, a quasi-moon follows a route that closely tracks our planet’s journey around the Sun.…
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Since 60 Years: Understanding Quasi-Moons and Their Silent Orbit
What is a quasi-moon? A quasi-moon is a space object that shares Earth’s path around the Sun but does not orbit Earth as our Moon does. Instead, it follows a similar journey to Earth, appearing to drift alongside us year after year. These companions are held mainly by the Sun’s gravity rather than Earth’s, and…
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Transiting Planets in Binaries II: A Dichotomy in Orbital Alignment of Small Planets in Close Binary Systems
Introduction Stellar multiplicity has long been recognized as a key factor shaping how planets form and evolve. Building on a survey of nearby systems, this study focuses on transiting planets found in binary hosts and leverages significant Hipparcos-Gaia astrometric accelerations to identify and characterize companions. In particular, we examine 54 TESS Objects of Interest (TOIs)…