Does Earth have 2 moons? No, however a ‘quasi-moon’ was simply discovered

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Earth could solely have one true moon, however astronomers have additionally found plenty of so-called ‘quasi-moons’ in our neighborhood. Here’s what to find out about them.

Recently, the net world has been abuzz with hypothesis that NASA has confirmed the discovery of a second moon in Earth’s orbit.

Take any such rumors with a hefty grain of salt.

Earth nonetheless solely has one true pure satellite tv for pc – our 2,159-mile-wide moon located about 239,000 miles away. However, astronomers have found plenty of celestial objects through the years in our cosmic neighborhood that they’ve deemed “quasi-moons.”

That consists of the recently-spotted asteroid 2025 PN7, which seems to be the supply of the rumor mill about Earth’s supposed second moon.

Here’s every little thing to know in regards to the asteroid and why it is referred to as a quasi-moon.

Does Earth have 2 moons? What to find out about ‘quasi-moon’

Not fairly.

But, one thing referred to as a “quasi-moon” was found in August that gave rise to the current ramped-up notion that Earth has a second moon.

The Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii was the primary to identify the quasi-moon in query. The object was then reported to the Minor Planet Center – the official authority for observing and reporting new asteroids, comets and different small our bodies within the photo voltaic system – and given the title 2025 PN7.

Earth has a number of quasi-moons that get their title as a result of the truth that they exhibit habits resembling our precise moon – together with that they seem to orbit our planet, in response to the nonprofit Planetary Society. But the objects in query are usually not solely simply asteroids, but in addition as an alternative orbit the solar, following an virtually precise path as Earth whereas at all times remaining shut by.

What is asteroid 2025 PN7? Is it harmful?

Astronomers say that asteroid 2025 PN7 poses no hazard to Earth.

The asteroid is dim and small – about 62 toes in diamater – which is why it managed to evade detection for therefore a few years.

The area rock, additionally outlined in a current study revealed by the American Astronomical Society, is believed to have been on this Earth-adjacent orbit for about 60 years, in response to the web site EarthSky. Asteroid 2025 PN7 can also be anticipated to stay our neighbor for an additional six many years earlier than the solar tugs it away.

Earth additionally had ‘mini-moon’ in 2024. What’s the distinction?

A bit of area rock that visited close to Earth’s orbit in 2024 was broadly known as a “mini-moon.”

The small rock, often known as 2024 PT5, captured the world’s consideration when it got here shut sufficient to Earth between September and November to be labeled as a near-Earth object. While the asteroid by no means posed a menace to our planet, it did intrigue astronomers, who rushed to check it earlier than it bid farewell and continued on its approach.

So, what makes a “mini-moon” completely different from a “quasi-moon?” While quasi-moons are a everlasting celestial neighbor, mini-moons are merely short-term guests, in response to the Planetary Society.

Because they’re small and laborious to detect, simply 4 have ever been found – none of that are nonetheless orbiting Earth.

In a little bit of serendipity, astronomers decided that the mini-moon found in 2024 could have truly earned its lunar-inspired nickname, as it might have been a moon rock ejected into area.

Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com