All we know about the ‘second moon’: NASA’s discovery Asteroid 2025 PN7

In a development sparking both curiosity and confusion, NASA has confirmed that Earth has an unusual cosmic companion, a small asteroid named 2025 PN7, now classified as a quasi-moon. Although not a true satellite like our Moon, this space rock is trailing Earth’s orbit and will continue to do so until 2083, according to astronomers.

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT 2025 PN7 SO FAR?

First spotted on August 2, 2025, at the Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii, 2025 PN7 is a relatively small asteroid measuring between 18 and 36 meters – roughly the size of a city bus. Though faint in appearance, the object’s motion quickly intrigued scientists due to its unusual orbital behavior. It doesn’t orbit Earth directly, but instead follows a path around the Sun that closely mimics Earth’s own, making it a co-orbital object.

Because of this synchronised orbit, it appears to “shadow” our planet, earning it the label of a quasi-moon – a rare class of near-Earth asteroids that act like temporary satellites but are not gravitationally bound to Earth.

WHAT ABOUT OUR CURRENT MOON?

Is our original moon’s solo status ending? Actually, no! Despite online buzz and viral headlines, NASA clarifies that Earth still has only one natural moon. 2025 PN7 is not a “second moon” in the traditional sense, but rather a celestial hitchhiker. Its orbit keeps it at a safe distance – about four million kilometers away at its closest, and nearly 10 times farther than the actual Moon.

The asteroid has likely been accompanying Earth for nearly 60 years, and current models predict it will continue to do so until 2083, when it is expected to gradually drift away and exit Earth’s orbital neighborhood.

WHERE DID IT COME FROM?

That part remains a mystery. Scientists aren’t sure where 2025 PN7 originated. Some quasi-moons in the past have come from the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, while others may have broken off from the Moon after large meteorite impacts. But for 2025 PN7, astronomers currently have no concrete theories.

Carlos de la Fuentes, an astronomer from the Complutense University of Madrid, who co-authored a recent study on the object, stated, “No real hints about its origins, only speculations.”

IS IT DANGEROUS?

Thankfully, no! NASA and space agencies worldwide confirm that 2025 PN7 poses no threat to Earth. Its wide orbit means it never comes close enough to cause any physical impact. It also does not affect tides, gravity, or weather, unlike Earth’s actual Moon.

What it does offer, however, is scientific value. Astronomers say quasi-moons like 2025 PN7 help improve our understanding of asteroid dynamics, orbital patterns, and planetary influences. Their proximity also makes them ideal candidates for future space missions, possibly even for sample return or technology testing.

QUASI-MOONS THROUGH HISTORY

Earth has had a handful of quasi-moons before. One of the most well-known is 469219 Kamoʻoalewa, another near-Earth asteroid. China recently launched its Tianwen-2 mission to intercept Kamoʻoalewa by 2027 for sample collection, highlighting growing global interest in these elusive cosmic companions.

As of now, only eight quasi-moons have been officially identified.