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New moon alert: Astronomers discover previously unknown 'quasi-moon' near Earth

2025 PN7, about 30 meters wide, is the smallest known quasi-moon orbiting Earth-like paths and has likely remained near Earth for 60 years, researchers said.

  • On Aug. 29, the Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii observed 2025 PN7, a quasi-moon NASA confirmed that has likely co-orbited near Earth for about 60 years.
  • Carlos de la Fuente Marcos argues quasi-moons differ from temporary mini-moons like 2024 PT5 by having longer Earth-like solar orbits, and he proposes 2025 PN7 originated from the Arjuna asteroid population with lunar ejecta supplying members.
  • Astronomers estimate 2025 PN7 measures about 98 feet across but could be as small as 62 feet, swinging within 186,000 miles at closest approach and averaging 238,855 miles from Earth.
  • De la Fuente Marcos noted 2025 PN7 poses no impact threat and is the smallest-known quasi-moon; he said, 'These asteroids are relatively easy to access for unmanned missions and can be used to test planetary exploration technologies with a relatively modest investment.'
  • Researchers note seven known quasi-satellites near Earth, and 2025 PN7 completes a one-year solar orbit, alternating into a horseshoe orbit reaching 185 million miles.
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18 Articles

First CoastFirst Coast
Center

No, Earth does not have a new second moon, but a quasi-moon was recently discovered

Rumors of a second moon have been circulating, but that's not totally true. It's actually called a quasi-moon.

·Jacksonville, United States
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WBURWBUR
Center

Newly identified 'quasi-moon' will shadow Earth's orbit until 2083

Earth only has one true moon, but astronomers have identified a handful of asteroids they call "quasi-moons" because they appear to mimic the moon's behavior.

·Boston, United States
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KCRA 3KCRA 3
+15 Reposted by 15 other sources
Center

New moon alert: Astronomers discover previously unknown 'quasi-moon' near Earth

This quasi-moon is expected to remain in its current near-Earth orbit for about another 60 years before the gravitational tug of the sun pulls it back into a horseshoe orbit.

·Sacramento, United States
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KCRA 3 broke the news in Sacramento, United States on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
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