# Earth's New Mini-Moon 2026 QQ8

> Earth's temporary mini-moon 2026 QQ8 will orbit until December 2027 before drifting off.
- Title: Earth's New Mini-Moon 2026 QQ8 · Indiatimes | Shortify
- Summary: Earth's temporary mini-moon 2026 QQ8 will orbit until December 2027 before drifting off.
- Keywords: earth, mini-moon, 2026 qq8, space rock, temporary orbit, astronomical object, minor planet center, india, Indiatimes
- Source: Indiatimes — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/space/earth-has-a-new-mini-moon-a-1-metre-space-rock-named-2026-qq8-was-pulled-into-orbit-around-our-planet-in-april-was-spotted-in-august-and-will-stay-until-about-december-before-drifting-off-on-its-own-path-in-2027/articleshow/135632878.cms
- Author: TOI Science Desk
- Published: 2026-11-07T10:41:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: earth, mini-moon, 2026 qq8, space rock, temporary orbit, astronomical object, minor planet center, india, news
## Earth's New Mini-Moon
Earth has a new temporary companion in space.
## 2026 QQ8 Discovery
A 1-metre space rock named 2026 QQ8 was pulled into orbit around Earth in April 2026.
## First Spotted
Astronomer Krisztián Sárneczky first observed it on August 19-20, 2026.
## Natural Object Confirmed
The Minor Planet Center confirmed it as a natural object on October 29, 2026.
## Temporary Capture
2026 QQ8 entered Earth's gravitational sphere of influence in late April 2026.
## Orbital Mechanics
The object is expected to remain temporarily bound to Earth for eight to nine months.
## Closest Approach
Its closest predicted distance during this temporary stay is 568,000 kilometres.
## No Impact Threat
The asteroid is not expected to pose an impact threat to Earth.
## Past Approaches
The object passed near Earth in 1965 but did not come close enough to be captured.
## Next Approach
Its next predicted approach in 2058 is not expected to result in another temporary capture.
## Orbital Period
2026 QQ8 takes approximately 359 days to complete one orbit around the Sun.
## Expected Departure
It should break away from Earth's gravitational hold by December 2027.
## Earth's Mini-Moons
Earth has previously had temporary mini-moons like 2020 CD3 and 2024 PT5.
## Lunar Origin
A 2025 study suggests Earth could have six lunar-origin mini-moons at any time.
## Size Variations
The largest mini-moon around Earth may be about 75 centimetres across.
## Longer Captures
A space rock measuring around three metres could remain captured for 10 to 20 years.
## Key takeaway

Earth's 1-metre space rock 2026 QQ8 will stay temporarily bound until December 2027.