do we have 2 moons

do we have 2 moons

1 hour ago 2
Nature

Short answer: Earth currently has one true Moon; there are no permanent second moons. What you might be hearing about are small asteroids that temporarily accompany Earth in its orbit (often called quasi-moons or mini-moons). These objects can be captured briefly or share a similar orbital path, but they do not become permanent moons. Context and nuances

  • Temporary companions: In recent years, several small asteroids have been observed following Earth for short periods. These are not bound satellites in the same way as the Moon and do not complete stable, long-term orbits around Earth. They may drift away or re-enter heliocentric orbits. For practical purposes, they are temporary and not considered moons.
  • Quasi-moons: Some reports label such objects as quasi-moons or mini-moons. These terms describe their close solar-system dynamics and observational similarities to moons without meeting the strict gravitational criteria of a moon.
  • Official definitions: A true moon is a natural satellite that orbits a planet as part of a bound, long-term gravitational relationship. By that standard, Earth has one Moon, and any additional small bodies are transient visitors rather than official moons.

If you want, I can pull up the latest reliable explainer articles or NASA/space agency updates to confirm the current status and explain how scientists distinguish a true moon from a quasi-moon.

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