With everything else underway in 2020, you may have missed the story of the mysterious flying object that fell into Earth’s orbit. September 2020. Unsure about exactly what it was, it was called “SO 2020” and considered a “mini-moon” – a term used to describe temporary satellites.
As of December, NASA researchers have determined that it is actually a piece of man-made space debris: the remnants of a 1960s missile amplifier used in monthly American Surveyor missions. Although this had been one of the possible explanations for the mini-moon since it was seen in September, it was not until it came closest to Earth on December 1. that astronomers have been able to confirm his identity.
But if you missed the rocket launcher in December, you’re in luck: he’ll be back for a final farewell tour this afternoon. Here’s how to watch it.
How to track the final orbit of the mini-moon / rocket
Today, the mini-moon / 1960s space debris will be 140,000 miles from Earth, or 58% of the distance between Earth and the moon, according to EarthSky. And, although this is not close enough to be able to see with the naked eye, we have the chance to visit her last visit, thanks Virtual Telescope Project in Rome.
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Here is how today’s event is described by the Italian astrophysicist and astronomer, Gianluca Masi, the founder of the Virtual Telescope Project:
After the extremely tight flight last December, 2020 SO is approaching safely again, this time to say goodbye. As we know, it is the impulse of the Surveyor 2 space mission, which was temporarily captured by our planet. Soon, this artificial mini-moon will leave our neighborhood, escaping into a new orbit around the Sun. We will say goodbye, live: join us from the comfort of your home!
To watch the last passage of the mini-month, connect to the live stream of the Virtual Telescope Project here. According to Masi, it will be the most visible above the group’s robotic telescopes in central Italy starting at 17.00 ET.
What happens to the mini-moon after that?
While the rocket amplifier will no longer be visible after today, it will slowly move away, eventually leaving Earth’s orbit in March 2021. After that, it will begin to orbit the sun. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.