In a revelation that sounds like something out of a science fiction story, NASA has confirmed that Earth possesses a second moon—of sorts. This intriguing celestial body has been accompanying our planet since the 1960s and is expected to remain until 2083. The finding was made public by the University of Hawaii.
Our primary moon, which has been orbiting Earth for billions of years, was formed through a colossal impact that caused debris to coalesce into the lunar body we see today. Located approximately 384,000 kilometers away from Earth, this moon began as a molten mass before solidifying into its current form. With a radius of 1,740 kilometers, it is less than a third the width of Earth and completes its orbit around our planet every 27 days. Due to the rotation of Earth, it appears to take about 29 days to complete one revolution from our perspective. Interestingly, this moon is gradually drifting away from Earth at a rate of about an inch per year.
Now, regarding the newly recognized companion: this so-called “quasi-moon” is fundamentally different from our traditional moon. Officially designated as 2025 PN7, this small celestial entity resembles an asteroid and measures between 18 to 36 meters in width. Unlike the moon, it does not orbit Earth directly; instead, it travels around the sun. However, its orbital path is synchronized with that of Earth, making it appear as a temporary companion that has been with us for roughly 60 years.
2025 PN7 is anticipated to remain near Earth until around 2083, after which it will drift away. Unlike our moon, this quasi-moon has no influence on tidal patterns or gravity and maintains a distance of about 4 million kilometers from Earth. It is akin to a silent hitchhiker that, unless one is paying close attention, could easily go unnoticed.
Over the years, astronomers have confirmed only eight such celestial bodies that share this unique characteristic, providing valuable insights into asteroid dynamics and the gravitational influences within our solar system.
In addition to this discovery, intriguing research continues in the field of astrobiology, such as the identification of potential life-supporting ingredients in the oceans of Saturn”s moon, and ongoing discussions about the possibility of extraterrestrial life in so-called “super-Earth” environments. As our understanding of the cosmos expands, each new discovery opens doors to further investigation and exploration of our universe.
