CAMBRIDGE, United States, Nov. 7, 2026 - The International Astronomical Union Minor Planet Center has confirmed asteroid 2026 QQ8 is a natural object temporarily captured in Earth orbit, making it our planet's latest temporary mini-moon.^[1] The object first entered Earth's gravitational sphere of influence in April 2026.^[2] It was first observed on the nights of 19 and 20 August 2026 by Hungarian astronomer Krisztián Sárneczky.^[3] 2026 QQ8 has an estimated diameter of 1 metre. At no point during its visit does it pose any collision threat to Earth.^[4] The asteroid is expected to break free of Earth's gravity and return to independent orbit around the Sun around mid-December 2026.^[5] Impact Insight. Temporary captured mini-moons are small natural bodies that become gravitationally bound to Earth for short periods, typically months, before resuming their original path around the Sun. Most are too small to be detected until well after capture has occurred. Study of these objects refines understanding of gravitational capture dynamics, which supports both solar system research and planetary defence tracking capabilities.