“The Earth has two moons.”

The idea of Earth having more than one moon is a persistent misconception, often fueled by sensationalized headlines and a natural human curiosity about our cosmic neighborhood. This myth often arises from the discovery of small celestial bodies that temporarily interact with Earth's gravitational field, leading to confusion about what truly constitutes a "moon." For instance, recent reports about objects like 2023 FW13 and 2025 PN7, described as "quasi-moons" or "minimoons," have sparked online rumors claiming NASA confirmed a second moon. These reports, while based on real astronomical discoveries, are frequently taken out of context.

Scientifically, Earth has only one permanent natural satellite: the Moon. Our Moon is a large, gravitationally bound object that consistently orbits Earth. In contrast, "quasi-moons" or "quasi-satellites" are asteroids that orbit the Sun, but their paths are synchronized with Earth's, making them appear to "tag along" or loop around our planet from our perspective. They are not gravitationally captured by Earth and will eventually drift away. "Minimoons," on the other hand, are small asteroids that are temporarily captured by Earth's gravity, orbiting our planet for a few months or years before escaping or burning up in the atmosphere. These objects are typically tiny, often just a few feet or meters in diameter, and are only detectable with powerful telescopes.

People commonly believe the myth of a second moon because the distinction between a true moon, a quasi-moon, and a minimoon can be subtle and easily misunderstood without a deeper grasp of orbital mechanics. The term "moon" itself can be used loosely in popular discourse, blurring the lines between a permanent natural satellite and a temporary celestial visitor. Furthermore, the sheer vastness of space and the ongoing discoveries of new near-Earth objects contribute to the idea that there might be undiscovered companions lurking nearby. While these quasi-moons and minimoons are fascinating subjects of study for astronomers, offering insights into orbital dynamics and the origins of asteroids, they do not diminish the unique status of our one true Moon.