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In the context of astronomy, with reference to earth, a Quasi Satellite is an
  • a)
    object that orbits the Sun with orbital period similar to that of the Earth.
  • b)
    object that orbits the Earth with orbital period similar to that of the Moon.
  • c)
    object that was once part of Earth but now orbits Earth.
  • d)
    object that was once part of Moon but now orbits Earth.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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In the context of astronomy, with reference to earth, a Quasi Satelli...
  • A quasi-satellite is an object that orbits the Sun with an orbital period similar to that of the Earth. From Earth’s perspective, the object appears to orbit the Earth instead even though it does not.
  • Earth has over 20 quasi-satellites that are in permanent or temporary orbits. Even though these pieces of rock are physically close to our planet, they are very hard to observe due to their small and faint size — fainter than even the faintest star that can be seen with the naked eye in the night sky.
  • One of Earth’s quasi-satellites, discovered in 2016 and known as Kamoʻoalewa, is likely a piece of the Moon that once broke away from an impact, a new study said.
  • According to the study, the Kamoʻoalewa asteroid is a fast rotator, spinning around fully every 28 minutes, and orbits the Sun every 366 days. It is at an orbit that is inclined to that of the Earth.
  • It is just about 41 meters across, and in its closest approach to Earth, comes to 13 times the distance of the Moon from us — roughly 50,00,000 km away.
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In the context of astronomy, with reference to earth, a Quasi Satelli...
Quasi Satellites in the Context of Astronomy

In the context of astronomy, a quasi satellite refers to an object that orbits the Sun with an orbital period similar to that of the Earth. It is important to note that a quasi satellite is not a true satellite of Earth, but rather it shares a similar orbital path with our planet.

Explanation:
1. Definition of a Quasi Satellite:
- A quasi satellite is a celestial object that appears to orbit a planet in a horseshoe-shaped or tadpole-shaped pattern.
- It follows a path that is similar to that of a moon, but not an exact orbit around the planet itself.

2. Orbital Period:
- The orbital period of a quasi satellite is similar to that of the Earth, which means it takes approximately one year for the object to complete a full orbit around the Sun.
- This orbital period is a result of the gravitational interaction between the quasi satellite, the Earth, and the Sun.

3. Horseshoe and Tadpole Orbits:
- Quasi satellites follow horseshoe or tadpole orbits around the planet.
- In a horseshoe orbit, the quasi satellite appears to move in a horseshoe-shaped path relative to the planet.
- In a tadpole orbit, the quasi satellite follows a long, looping path that resembles a tadpole's tail.

4. Relationship with Earth:
- While a quasi satellite shares a similar orbital period with the Earth, it is not gravitationally bound to our planet.
- Rather, it is influenced by the gravitational pull of both the Earth and the Sun, resulting in its unique orbital pattern.

5. Examples of Quasi Satellites:
- One well-known example of a quasi satellite is the asteroid 3753 Cruithne.
- Cruithne's orbit is similar to Earth's, and it follows a horseshoe-shaped path relative to our planet.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, a quasi satellite in the context of astronomy refers to an object that orbits the Sun with an orbital period similar to that of the Earth. It is not a true satellite of Earth but follows a unique orbital pattern influenced by the gravitational forces of both the Earth and the Sun. An example of a quasi satellite is the asteroid 3753 Cruithne.
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In the context of astronomy, with reference to earth, a Quasi Satellite is ana)object that orbits the Sun with orbital period similar to that of the Earth.b)object that orbits the Earth with orbital period similar to that of the Moon.c)object that was once part of Earth but now orbits Earth.d)object that was once part of Moon but now orbits Earth.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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In the context of astronomy, with reference to earth, a Quasi Satellite is ana)object that orbits the Sun with orbital period similar to that of the Earth.b)object that orbits the Earth with orbital period similar to that of the Moon.c)object that was once part of Earth but now orbits Earth.d)object that was once part of Moon but now orbits Earth.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about In the context of astronomy, with reference to earth, a Quasi Satellite is ana)object that orbits the Sun with orbital period similar to that of the Earth.b)object that orbits the Earth with orbital period similar to that of the Moon.c)object that was once part of Earth but now orbits Earth.d)object that was once part of Moon but now orbits Earth.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for In the context of astronomy, with reference to earth, a Quasi Satellite is ana)object that orbits the Sun with orbital period similar to that of the Earth.b)object that orbits the Earth with orbital period similar to that of the Moon.c)object that was once part of Earth but now orbits Earth.d)object that was once part of Moon but now orbits Earth.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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