Space & Astronomy
How Earth Captures Mini-Moons—And Why It Always Lets Them Go
Earth occasionally captures small asteroids as temporary "mini-moons," which orbit unstably for months before escaping back into solar orbit due to complex gravitational forces. These transient visitors are scientifically valuable as accessible targets for sample-return missions and for understanding near-Earth objects.
Dr. Alistair Finch·November 7, 2026
