Who has naming rights for asteroid quasi-satellite 2016 HO3?

A small asteroid has been discovered in an orbit around the sun that keeps it as a constant companion of Earth, and it will remain so for centuries to come. read more

The discoverer of a particular object has the privilege of suggesting a name to a committee of the International Astronomical Union that judges its suitability. Asteroid 2016 HO3 was first spotted on April 27, 2016, by the Pan-STARRS 1 asteroid survey telescope on Haleakala, Hawaii. read more

According to astronomers at NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object (NEO) Studies, a near-Earth asteroid designated 2016 HO3 is currently following a stable quasi-satellite orbit with respect to our planet. read more

Asteroid 2016 HO3 Is Our Latest Quasi-Satellite Astronomers have confirmed that asteroid 2016 HO3 is a quasi-satellite orbiting the sun and also circling the Earth in a unique configuration. The relatively nearby quasi-satellite may provide scientists opportunities for mining, observation, and further exploration in the future. read more