Earth's new mini-moon to leave orbit by December after months circling planet

A minor asteroid, known as 2026 QQ8, found its way into Earth's gravity in April 2026. Observed for the first time in August, astronomers identified it as a natural celestial body. This mini-moon will remain within our orbit for approximately eight to nine months before departing. Its nearest approach is calculated to be 568,000 kilometers away, carrying no threat of impact as it joins the transient mini-moon collection around Earth.