B The Earth is upgrading with a second moon

AI Thread Summary
A new mini-moon, measuring only 11 meters, is set to orbit Earth temporarily, which has led to disappointment regarding its short-lived presence and limited scientific value. Discussions highlight the ease of obtaining asteroid samples, with some noting that bits of asteroids land on Earth daily and can even be purchased. Observers are hopeful about spotting the mini-moon in December as it passes by notable celestial objects. The conversation also touches on the humorous notion of Earth "flirting" with a second moon rather than fully acquiring one. Overall, the excitement is tempered by the mini-moon's transient nature and small size.
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How is the orbit different from Cruitne?
 
It's more temporary, not even a full circle. - Disappointing.

Also, it is only 11 meters. Not even worth sending anything out to blow it up.
 
We sent probes far out in space to study asteroids, only to get one in our own backyard. We should snag it for study, but easier said than done.
 
Huh? Bits of asteroids land on Earth every day. You can even order them out of a catalog.
 
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Andy Resnick said:
I may have a chance at spotting it (magnitude 20-ish) in December
You'll be set for J002E3 when it returns. It gets to 16.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
You'll be set for J002E3 when it returns. It gets to 16.
Who knows what I'll be imaging with 20 years from now.... :)
 
Is that when it comes back? I guessed 2035, which is no better a calculation than 2002 + (2002-1969).
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
Bits of asteroids land on Earth every day. You can even order them out of a catalog.
For $65 plus shipping, you can get a chunk of an asteroid delivered to your door by Friday. Not only do we know the parent asteroid, we know the crater it came from.
 
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  • #11
Vanadium 50 said:
For $65 plus shipping, you can get a chunk of an asteroid delivered to your door by Friday. Not only do we know the parent asteroid, we know the crater it came from.
Good thing you didn't post a link there, V50. I'm guessing this is your new side hustle... (probably in cahoots with @davenn :smile: )
 
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I didn't even name the asteroid, although it is easy enough to guess. It's the one where there is a crater where the southern hemisphere used to be.
 
  • #13
The Earth is upgrading with a second moon

Algr said:
It's more temporary, not even a full circle. - Disappointing.

More like, "The Earth is flirting with a second moon".
 
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  • #14
Right now I don't have the time on my hands, but if I did I would photoshop a meme based on that couple in the street and the guy turning round to get an eyeful of another young lady.
 
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