2025-09-19 11:21:00
www.pcworld.com
Researchers from Spain have discovered a kind of second moon orbiting around Earth. Known as Apollo asteroid 2025 PN7, it was detected by the Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii on August 2nd, 2025. According to current calculations, it has been accompanying the Earth since the 1960s—and it’s expected to stay that way for the next 60 years.
However, it must be said that 2025 PN7 is not a real moon but rather something called a quasi-moon. A quasi-moon is an asteroid that orbits around the sun but in such a way that it looks like it’s orbiting around a planet from the perspective of that planet. In this case, 2025 PN7 looks like it’s orbiting Earth but isn’t bound by Earth’s gravitational pull.
2025 PN7’s behavior is consistent with those in the Arjuna asteroid belt, which are a group of near-Earth asteroids with Earth-like orbits, making it an Arjuna asteroid. (Arjuna asteroids are a subgroup of Apollo asteroids.) The first such asteroid was discovered as early as December 1991 by the Spacewatch Project, which was initially thought to be an interstellar space probe. Scientists are now aware of over 100 such asteroids.
Why did it take so long for the quasi-moon 2025 PN7 to be discovered?
2025 PN7 is very small with a diameter around 15 to 30 meters and a distance to Earth of around 384,000 kilometers (sometimes even as close as 300,000 kilometers depending on the orbit). This corresponds roughly to the distance of our own moon, except much smaller in size.
In addition, the asteroid is faint and can only be detected with current telescopes when it comes close to the Earth. (Funnily enough, the researchers have also spotted 2025 PN7 in previously archived images going back to 2014.) 2025 PN7 poses no danger to Earth.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.
An Amazon’s Choice and the #1 Top Seller, the Euphro Digital Picture Frame has delighted millions of customers. With 1,473 ratings, an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars, and over 6,000 units sold in the past month, this frame is a must-have for your home or as the perfect gift. Available now for just $79.99.
Connect Euphro digital picture frame to a WiFi network and share photos and videos via the free “Uhale” app. Share the special life moments instantly and privately, creating a seamless connection with your family and friends. The sleek design fits any home decor and comes with crystal-clear image quality to highlight every cherished moment.
Join the millions of happy customers who call Euphro “a game-changer for photo sharing.” Order yours now for $79.99 on Amazon!
Help Power Techcratic’s Future – Scan To Support
If Techcratic’s content and insights have helped you, consider giving back by supporting the platform with crypto. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it’s for high-quality content, server maintenance, or future updates. Techcratic is constantly evolving, and your support helps drive that progress.
As a solo operator who wears all the hats, creating content, managing the tech, and running the site, your support allows me to stay focused on delivering valuable resources. Your support keeps everything running smoothly and enables me to continue creating the content you love. I’m deeply grateful for your support, it truly means the world to me! Thank you!
|
BITCOIN
bc1qlszw7elx2qahjwvaryh0tkgg8y68enw30gpvge Scan the QR code with your crypto wallet app |
|
DOGECOIN
D64GwvvYQxFXYyan3oQCrmWfidf6T3JpBA Scan the QR code with your crypto wallet app |
|
ETHEREUM
0xe9BC980DF3d985730dA827996B43E4A62CCBAA7a Scan the QR code with your crypto wallet app |
Please read the Privacy and Security Disclaimer on how Techcratic handles your support.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, Techcratic may earn from qualifying purchases.
