2 moons for Earth? Why that’s not quite right

You will have heard lots of discuss on-line about Earth two moons lately, however that does not fairly match the invention.

Earth nonetheless has just one true pure satellite tv for pc: our 3,000-kilometer-wide moon about 239,000 miles away. Nevertheless, specialists lately discovered the planet’s latest quasi-moons; a small physique that has been touring with the Earth for many years.

The newly found asteroid 2025 PN7 joins Earth’s ranks seven confirmed quasi-moons, in accordance with EarthSky and the Planetary Society.

The asteroids are referred to as quasi-moons as a result of they mimic the moon and seem to orbit Earth as they go via the planet’s path as they orbit the solar, in accordance with the Planetary Society.

Here is what it’s essential know concerning the newly found quasi-moon.

What’s asteroid 2025 PN7?

2025 PN7 is a small, dim asteroid which seems to be orbiting Earth, in accordance with EarthSky. It’s in all probability a bit of the moon that has been ejected. The article has been in its quasi-moon orbit for about 60 years and is anticipated to stay in its orbit for one more 60 years earlier than drifting away.

How did scientists uncover the asteroid?

The Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii was the primary to find the asteroid. The article was then reported to the Small Planet Centerthe official authority for observing and reporting new asteroidscomets and different small our bodies within the photo voltaic system, and have been named 2025 PN7.

Are you able to see 2025 PN7 in Michigan skies?

If you need to see When Michigan’s quasi-moon is within the sky this fall, you may want a great telescope, LiveScience mentioned. At magnitude 26, the asteroid seems fairly faint and additionally it is small, measuring 20 meters throughout.

What makes the asteroid a quasi-moon?

2025 PN7 is a type of asteroids that does an orbit around the sunhowever seem to orbit the Earth just like the moon, making it thought of a quasi-moon, in accordance with LiveScience. Earth’s gravity did not really seize the small physique.

What number of quasi-moons encompass the Earth?

Earth has seven confirmed non permanent quasi-moons, in accordance with the Planetary Society.

Mini-moon found final yr

In August 2024, scientists found asteroid 2024 PT5, a mini-moon that quickly orbited Earth within the fall of 2024.

So what makes a ‘mini-moon’ totally different from a ‘quasi-moon?’ Though quasi-moons are a everlasting celestial neighbor, mini-moons are solely non permanent guests, in accordance with the Planetary Society.

USA TODAY contributed.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.