Earth’s “Second Moon” Is Just a Friendly Passing Rock
Earth’s “Second Moon” Is Just a Friendly Passing Rock
US · Published Oct 23, 2025
Asteroid 2025 PN7, dubbed Earth's 'second moon,' is a quasi-satellite, not gravitationally bound like our Moon.
This 62-foot-long asteroid poses no threat to Earth, remaining safely distant and not affecting tides or gravity.
2025 PN7 will stay near Earth for decades, offering scientists a chance to study near-Earth objects and enhance our understanding of the solar system.
Earth has only one true satellite
Despite recent reports of a "second moon," Earth still has only one true satellite. The asteroid 2025 PN7, discovered by the University of Hawaii, follows a similar orbit to Earth but is a quasi-satellite—not gravitationally bound like the Moon. At about 62 feet long and safely distant, it poses no threat, affecting neither tides nor gravity, and will remain near Earth for decades.
Related News