Earth Two Moons Until 2083: NASA Confirms New Quasi-Moon 2025 PN7 Orbiting Near Earth

NASA scientists have confirmed that Earth will have a second moon-like companion until the year 2083. The small asteroid, officially named 2025 PN7, is not a true moon but a “quasi-moon” — a rare type of object that shares Earth’s orbit around the Sun. The discovery means Earth will temporarily have two moons, although the second one will remain invisible to the naked eye.

Researchers say 2025 PN7 has been accompanying Earth unnoticed since the 1960s. It was identified in August 2025 during a sky survey conducted by astronomers at the University of Hawaii’s Pan-STARRS observatory. The object’s faintness and small size had made it extremely difficult to detect before now.

All About Earth’s New Quasi-Moon 2025 PN7

According to NASA, 2025 PN7 is about 30 meters long and 19 meters wide — roughly the size of a commercial airplane. It follows an orbit around the Sun that is almost identical to Earth’s, causing it to appear as though it loops around our planet. This optical illusion makes it seem like a second moon from certain vantage points, but it isn’t gravitationally bound to Earth.

At its closest approach, 2025 PN7 comes within about 299,000 kilometers of Earth — even closer than our main Moon, which averages 384,000 kilometers away. However, because it is so small and faint, even powerful amateur telescopes will struggle to spot it. It can only be observed using professional-grade observatories under ideal conditions.

Scientists believe the asteroid will continue accompanying Earth in this synchronized orbit until around 2083, after which gravitational forces will likely shift its path. The object’s presence poses no danger to our planet, as its orbit keeps it at a safe and stable distance.

Why 2025 PN7 Matters for Science

The discovery of 2025 PN7 is significant for astronomers studying how small objects interact with planetary orbits. Quasi-moons like this one help researchers better understand orbital dynamics, gravitational resonance, and the behavior of near-Earth objects. So far, only eight quasi-moons have ever been documented around Earth, making 2025 PN7 part of a very exclusive group.

Scientists are also interested in whether such quasi-moons could serve as future exploration targets. Because they follow orbits so close to Earth, they may one day provide easier access for spacecraft missions or asteroid mining research.

Despite the viral headlines about “two moons,” NASA emphasizes that 2025 PN7 is not a bright new object in our night sky. It’s more of a silent companion — orbiting in harmony with Earth but remaining almost invisible to all but the most powerful telescopes.

In short, Earth technically has a second moon until 2083 — but you won’t see it glowing beside the real one. The discovery of 2025 PN7 marks another fascinating chapter in our understanding of near-Earth space.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What does “Earth two moons until 2083” mean?

It means Earth has a small quasi-moon called 2025 PN7 orbiting near it until around 2083. It’s not a second visible moon, but a small asteroid moving in sync with Earth.

Q2: Can people see 2025 PN7 in the night sky?

No. The object is far too small and dim to be visible without professional observatories. Even large amateur telescopes cannot detect it easily.

Q3: How big is the new quasi-moon 2025 PN7?

It measures roughly 30 meters in length and 19 meters in diameter, making it about the size of a commercial airplane.

Q4: Is 2025 PN7 dangerous for Earth?

No. NASA confirms that 2025 PN7 is on a stable orbital path and poses no threat to Earth’s safety.

Q5: How many quasi-moons does Earth have?

Including 2025 PN7, astronomers have confirmed around eight quasi-moons that have temporarily shared Earth’s orbit over time.

References

NASA. (2025). “Asteroid 2025 PN7 identified as Earth’s temporary quasi-moon.”

BBC News. (2025). “Earth will have two moons until 2083, scientists confirm discovery of 2025 PN7.”

Associated Press. (2025). “Astronomers detect Earth’s new quasi-moon, orbiting since the 1960s.”