02/setembro/22 – IOn the possibility that 2016 HO3 Kamo’oalewa was a piece of the Moon (Dr. Rafael Sfair, GDOP/UNESP e Universität Tübingen)

2016 HO3 Kamo’oalewa is a small body (40-100 m) with a trajectory classified as an Earth quasi-satellite. Its orbit is similar to the Earth’s, with almost the same semi-major axis, an eccentricity of 0.1, and an inclination of about 8 degrees. Analysis of its spectrum suggests a silicate-based composition. However, its reddening is higher than the typical values found in inner solar system asteroids, indicating a long space weathering. Lunar-like silicates presented the best match compared to the spectrum of material analogs. Therefore, from the spectral analysis, one might suggest Kamoʻoalewa is a piece of material originating from the Moon. The current work explores the dynamical aspects of such a possible origin. Considering the case of a small piece of material being ejected from the Moon, we performed numerical simulations of its orbital evolution in the Earth-Moon system around the Sun. A wide range of initial conditions in position and ejection velocity vector around the Moon was investigated. Our analysis indicates that Earth’s quasi-satellite trajectories are among the outcomes, and in these cases, the bodies can remain as quasi-satellites for several hundred years. A deep analysis of the conditions necessary to produce suitable ejections from the Moon’s surface is under study.