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James Webb Space Telescope reveals clues into moon formation<\/p>\n
NASA\u2019s James Webb Space Telescope is giving scientists an unprecedented glimpse at how moons might form around distant exoplanets.<\/p>\n
Earth just got a new plus one in space.<\/p>\n
NASA confirmed<\/a> that a small asteroid named 2025 PN7 is officially a quasi-moon, meaning it’s not a real moon but rather a cosmic tag-along that\u2019s been pacing Earth\u2019s orbit for many decades.<\/p>\n Discovered by the University of Hawaii, this space rock is about 18 to 36 meters wide but moves in sync with the Earth.<\/p>\n However, you won\u2019t see it lighting up the night sky anytime soon as it swings close enough to seem like it’s following us, but it\u2019s actually keeping its distance.<\/p>\n Here is everything to know about the “second moon.”<\/p>\n Does Earth have 2 moons?<\/p>\n Not exactly. Earth still has one true moon, but it recently picked up the “quasi-moon<\/a>,” a small asteroid named 2025 PN7. This space rock doesn\u2019t orbit Earth directly like the moon does. Instead, it loops around the sun at nearly the same pace as we do, making it look like it’s following our planet through space.<\/p>\n How long will 2nd moon follow Earth?<\/p>\n NASA says that 2025 PN7 has probably been tagging along with us for about 60 years already. It’s expected to stay in Earth\u2019s gravitational neighborhood until around 2083 before drifting away.<\/p>\n How does having 2 moons affect Earth?<\/p>\n The “second moon” won\u2019t affect us in any way. 2025 PN7 never comes closer than about 4 million kilometers; that\u2019s 10 times farther than the moon, so it poses no threat to Earth and has no impact on tides, gravity or day-to-day life.<\/p>\n It’s main influence is scientific, helping astronomers better understand how asteroids move.<\/p>\n Got a story you want to share? Reach out at\u00a0Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com<\/a>. Follow\u00a0@tiffsario<\/a>\u00a0on Instagram.<\/p>\n Looking for the best things to do in Arizona<\/a>? Sign up for our newsletter.<\/p>\n