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A whole 'population' of minimoons may be lurking near Earth, researchers say

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Summary
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85% Informative

In August 2024 , astronomers in South Africa identified a new rock, known as 2024 PT5, traveling near Earth 's orbit.

It may have been blown off the moon during a giant impact long ago.

The discovery hints at a hidden population of lunar fragments traveling near our planet.

Kamo'oalewa 's quasi-satellite orbit keeps it in Earth 's immediate vicinity for several consecutive orbits.

A recent study suggested that it could have come from a smashup that created Giordano Bruno crater.

Kareta suspects that some asteroids that have been identified as unusual may be lunar rocks in disguise.

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91

Informative language

94

Neutral language

37

Article tone

semi-formal

Language

English

Language complexity

41

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not offensive

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not hateful

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Time-value

medium-lived

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