Short version: Astronomers discovered asteroid 2025 PN7, a quasi‑satellite that orbits the Sun while remaining near Earth. NASA says it has been in this resonant configuration for about 70 years and may stay for roughly 60 more, but because it is not gravitationally bound to Earth it is not a true second moon. The object poses no known threat and could be an accessible target for robotic missions.
Not a 'Second Moon': What 2025 PN7 — Earth's New Quasi‑Satellite — Really Is
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In late 2025 and early 2026 social posts claimed NASA had confirmed a temporary "second moon" that would remain beside Earth until 2083. That claim stretched the facts. Astronomers did identify a small object, catalogued as 2025 PN7, but it is a quasi‑satellite that orbits the Sun while remaining near Earth rather than a true natural satellite of Earth.
What Was Discovered
Pan‑STARRS in Hawaii first recorded 2025 PN7 on Aug. 2, 2025. The object's existence and orbital behavior were described in a Research Notes paper published by the American Astronomical Society in September 2025 and reported by major outlets including CNN and The New York Times. NASA also added 2025 PN7 to its Small‑Body Database.
Why It Is Not A True Moon
A true moon is gravitationally bound to its planet and orbits that planet directly. By contrast, a quasi‑satellite follows an orbit around the Sun that happens to keep it near Earth for an extended interval. Because 2025 PN7 is not gravitationally captured by Earth, calling it a second moon is misleading.
Timeline, Distance, And Risk
NASA told fact‑checkers that 2025 PN7 has been in its current quasi‑satellite configuration for at least 70 years and is expected to remain in that resonant relationship for roughly 60 more years. Researchers estimate the object entered this state around 1957. Its closest approach during this resonance is about 186,000 miles from Earth; for comparison, the Moon's average distance is about 238,855 miles. Scientists say 2025 PN7 poses no known threat to Earth.
Related Classifications
The AAS note distinguishes quasi‑satellites from so‑called mini‑moons. Quasi‑satellites are in resonant orbits without being bound to Earth. Mini‑moons, by contrast, are temporarily captured and do orbit Earth for a short time before escaping. The AAS paper mentioned at least six other objects currently recognized as Earth quasi‑satellites.
Why This Matters
Although not a new permanent moon, 2025 PN7 is scientifically interesting: such objects are relatively accessible to robotic missions and can serve as low‑cost test targets for space technology and planetary science. They also help astronomers study orbital dynamics in the Earth neighborhood.
Bottom line: 2025 PN7 is a genuine discovery of a quasi‑satellite that will share Earth's orbital neighborhood for decades, but it is not a gravitationally bound second moon.
Selected sources: Research Notes of the AAS (De La Fuente Marcos & De La Fuente Marcos, 2025); NASA Small‑Body Database; reporting by CNN, The New York Times, ABC News and Smithsonian Magazine.
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