Question

Earth will get a second moon for two months

Comments

Your comment does a great job of articulating what is missing from the article and how it can be misleading without full context. Not knowing this information can lead to people spreading misinformation or not fully factual information. Nice job.

---

This wasn't necessarily untrue, but what was pulled in by Earth's gravity was not actually a 'moon'. It was an asteroid named 2024 PT5, which was referred to as a 'mini-moon' at most. According to KTLA, the asteroid was only about the size of a bus, which is nowhere near the size of our moon. NASA states that the moon is a quarter of the Earth's size, and we all know that is much bigger than a bus. While it is true that it was briefly within the Earth's orbit, it is misleading to not state the period of time in the title of your claim, as it gives off the impression that this 'mini-moon' is a permanent addition to our orbit. It was in orbit from September 29th to November 25th--about two months as was mentioned in your caption. The only thing this claim lacks is clarity in details that leads it to be misinformation. The site named Astronomy states that celestial objects must stay within a certain distance from another object in order to continue being in its orbit, and The Register Guard states that 2024 PT5's orbit will lead it (or has led it at this time) outside of that area, which means it cannot stay within Earth's orbit permanently.

https://ktla.com/news/nationworld/earths-2nd-moon-is-here-what-you-need-to-know/
https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/moon/five-things-to-know-about-the-moon/
https://www.astronomy.com/observing/why-does-earth-have-only-one-moon/
https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/local/2024/09/26/mini-moon-2024-pt5-asteroid-oregon/75378304007/

---

The headline is not completely false, only slightly misleading. When referring to a second mini-moon they are talking about an asteroid that will be entering the earth's orbit for a while. The actual substance of the article is all true, they go on to say that the reason that it can be called a "mini-moon" instead of just an asteroid is because it will make at least one full rotation around the earth. Additionally, the asteroid heading for the orbit is larger than some of our past "mini-moons" further granting it "mini-moon" status. Much of the research comes from a research article published in Research Notes of the AAS. The information matches up between the two sources and is reliable.

---

"Earth will get a second moon for two months" is true. Between September 29 and November 25, 2024, Earth briefly ensnared 2024 PT5, a tiny asteroid that is frequently referred to as a "mini-moon." This roughly 10-meter-diameter asteroid was found on August 7, 2024, by the South African ATLAS system. It entered Earth's orbit and stayed there for almost two months before reentering its solar orbit. While uncommon, these brief captures of near-Earth objects are not unheard of. 2024 PT5 was too small to be seen with the unaided eye, necessitating the use of professional-grade telescopes for observation.

I watched this video gaining more info on the topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aah1Ip9h2q8

---

this feels like a very big claim to make with such little information.

Answer 1

This article, “Earth will get a second ‘mini moon’ for 2 months this year,” is false and misleading. The title is not only exaggerated, but wrong in regards to what a “mini moon” is. The article claims, “Earth will get a second moon for about two months this year when a small asteroid begins to orbit our planet.” Firstly, moons are different from asteroids in regards to their makeup. Secondly after researching, NASA made it evident that the asteroid will never be encapsulated in Earth’s gravity, thus not being considered a “mini moon,” but rather just a notable object. The object is neither a moon, or a “mini moon.” The title and content of the article makes readers believe otherwise. The article’s sources “Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System” are correct in regards to what will occur when the asteroid is near Earth. The article explains how it will, “horseshoe orbit,” but exaggerate what it means to be a moon. The asteroid will not be visible and 9 times farther than the moon is from Earth, never making a complete orbit.

https://science.nasa.gov/planetary-defense/

https://atlas.fallingstar.com/

Comments

I think that this a great fact check response, and I agree that the article was misleading. With that being said I think this factcheck is very adamant that the asteroid not be called a moon, and I think that it was great to include NASA's take on it being a notable object.

---

This is a fantastic fact-check. Your strategy of defining what a mini-moon is not only proves that the claim is misleading but also explains which part of the content is wrong and why. Your usage of a primary source is also very effective at strengthening your argument. Amazing job overall and thank you for teaching me something new.

---

Your fact check was well done. I think that you clearly explaining why the claim was misleading and providing two trusted sources helped your fact check.

---

You start this answer strong and direct, saying the claim is false and misleading. You included two reliable sources and thoroughly explained why this claim is false.  From this claim, I was misled by thinking Earth would get a second moon soon, but you have corrected the claim with your answer.

---

I really like how you break down the misleading aspects of the article and explain why the term "mini moon" is not the correct term. Your point about the difference between moons and asteroids is especially important because many people might assume they are the same just based on the article’s wording. I also appreciate how you fact-checked the claim using NASA’s findings

Answer 2

By stating "Earth will get a second moon" there is somewhat of a misleading idea that stems from this statement. It leads the reader to believe that a whole new planet is being created and orbiting Earth. I would suggest making your title claim more detailed to where it isn't misleading. For example "Earth will have a moon-like object orbiting for 2 months."

Comments

I agree with making the claim a lot more precise. Just stating that “Earth will get a second moon” seems to be set up so that people will have to dig deeper than just reading the article itself. Instead of making it seem like a new planet will begin to orbit the Earth, it should be stated that this is just an object that will overlap the Earth and has no relation to the solar system itself.

---

This is a strong callout the the word choice. I believe that you are on to something however, i would take this a step further and find information on the orbiting object so that it can be better identified and validated.

---

I agree with with the others and the answer too, there should definitely be a change to the title to make the claim less misleading because this could indeed potentially create a misunderstanding. it should also indeed state that it was a floating moon-like object orbiting the earth instead of a "2nd moon is orbiting the Earth"

---

This is poor word choice to catch the attention of the reader. If the article were trying to reflect the situation stated in the article correctly then it would state that it was a moon-like object that was orbiting around earth rather then claiming there is now a second moon.

---

While the title may be misleading, the article's first sentence clarifies that the new moon will not be permanent. the confusion here seems to be about the definition of a "moon" which is defined by NASA to be "Naturally-formed bodies that orbit planets are called moons, or planetary satellites" (https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/moons/) therefore it is still accurate that the earth will have a second moon by definition, albeit for a limited amount of time as stated above. I disagree that the headline makes it seem that there will be a new planet forming and orbiting Earth as that is more associated with binary planets, not moons. adding the time it will orbit would make the article more clear to those that only read the headline.

---

I like how you provided a suggestion to the person making the claim, but it would be nice to have some information about the "mini moon" from a reliable source and why that statement is false, and learn what the "mini moon" is exactly.

---

Totally agree with you. Saying "Earth will get a second moon" makes it sound like some new planet or permanent thing, which isn't right. It would’ve been better if they just said something like what you suggested, makes it clear it’s just a temporary thing. That way, nobody gets the wrong idea, and it’s more accurate about what’s really happening.

---

I agree with your response. It is important to carefully read and understand the facts before making careless claims like Earth having "a second moon." Having the claim to be "Earth will have a moon-like object orbiting for 2 months" is so much more accurate and clear for audiences to understand.

---

I like your reasoning , I can see your trying to get more information into the publishers head. I feel like more facts and science readings should've been used to support your reasoning how " earth will have a moon like object orbiting " feel like that's still a misleading wihtout any articles or data providing evidence for this new claim .

---

I really like this fact check. you did not say true or false, but rather you stated that it was misleading. and you provided a source. I really like your approach to this topic, and your response is very professional.

Answer 3

This statement is definitely misleading and somewhat false. The so called "moon" is an asteroid named 2024 PT5, and it as been temporarily captured by Earth’s gravitational pull. The "mini moon" will be in orbit until around November 25th. I used the link provided below to help prove my answer.

https://www.kxan.com/news/earths-2nd-moon-has-arrived-what-you-need-to-know/#:~:text=(KTLA)%20%E2%80%93%20A%20second%20moon,an%20asteroid%20named%202024%20PT5.

Comments

The fact-checking answer is quick, simple, and easy to understand with more information available, and no criticism. Your source seems very useful and reputable.

---

Ava_Squire, your factcheck is simple yet effective in criticizing the original user’s claim. However, though your response is practically flawless, I’d suggest briefly summarizing the articles you provide links to or placing them in conversation somehow. While the links you have in your response provide a basis for further investigation into your claim, comparing the information presented in your supporting articles in your own words could vastly enhance the reliability and specificity of your response. My slight critique is more or less attributed to often decreased attention spans nowadays as a result of social media (https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/attention-spans), so other users may be eager to see your answer all in one place rather than using the links. Well done and thank you for such a straightforward response!

---

This fact-check is very simple and easy to read. It gets right to the point and explains your claim very well.  Your source is good and seems reliable.

---

I like how your fact check is straight to the point and I appreciate the link to prove your statement. I also like how you explain that the "second moon" is only until November 25.

---

Your sources seem very credible and your evidence was straight forward. However, I would take it a step further by expanding on your ideas.

---

I appreciate how you pointed out right away it is an asteroid, not a "mini moon". It would also be good to add that the article you used stated the asteroid is "about the size of a bus". In comparison to the size of our planet, this is too small for us to even see. So it also is not even close to the size of what a "mini moon" would be. Shows the claim is false in two ways.

---

I love that you presented a quick and easy article that truly details how easily misleading this article is as the asteroid is not equivalent to a moon.

---

The source you provided seems to be very reliable and gives great explanation. This factcheck provides all the information needed to understand the claim at hand.

Answer 4

The claim that earth will get a second moon for two months is defiently misleading, the fact is that an small astroid named 2024 PT5, will be caught into earths grivational pull for 56 days. the misleading part is comparing a small astriod to earths moon, by calling it a "mini moon." The moon is composed of siliciate rock similar to earths crust, while asteriods can vary in composition depending on their location in the solar system, with some being mostly rocky, others metalllic.

https://homework.study.com/explanation/how-are-moons-and-asteroids-different.html#:~:text=Answer%20and%20Explanation%3A,and%20not%20around%20the%20Sun.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2515-5172/ad781f

Comments

This fact check is quick, gets the point across affectively, and has evidence that an asteroid and moon are different . The sources seem reliable.

---

Read the sources, The articles posted for this claim have evidence of the difference between a moon and an asteroid and also have evidence for the object orbiting around the Earth. The fact check is effective and has evidence backing up their claim.

---

This fact check does a great job of summarizing what the actual 'second moon' is and managing to make it concise and straight to the point. The IOP.org source is a reliable, trustworthy source that you used to back up your claim. I agree that the term 'second moon' is misleading, and wrong.

Answer 5

While new matter will be entering the Earth's orbit, it's not a new moon. In actuality, it's an asteroid that will begin its revolutions around Earth on Sept. 29th and leave the orbit Nov. 25th. Researchers are calling it a mini-moon, but that's not what it really is, it's simply an asteroid that will look like a second moon. It's only temporary and will not remain in Earth's orbital path. "Asteroid 2024 PT5 belongs to a group called Arjuna asteroids, which have orbits similar to Earth's. Because it will come close to Earth at a slow speed, it won't make a full loop around Earth; instead, it will eventually return to orbit around the sun." 

I got this quote from the article Are we getting a second moon? Everything to know about Earth's mini moon by Tiffany Acosta,  updated sept. 20th, 2024

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/life/2024/09/20/earths-second-moon-2024-pt5-mini-moon/75308274007/ 

Comments

I enjoyed how you included specific details that prove your claim such as the specific dates and background information on thee asteroid itself.

---

Your fact-check was very readable and not wordy, which I enjoyed. You do a good job of knocking down this claim and provide plenty reasoning on why exactly it is not true. Not only did I learn that we are not going to be getting a second moon, this fact check helped me to understand what exactly will be happening, without getting too into the numbers. You also used a great and reliable source.

---

This fact check was easy to read and straight to the point. I enjoyed where you clearly explain why the article's title is misleading, and then proceed to explain why, as well as provide the factual and correct information included with the source. This answer better helped educate not only me, but others who come across an article like this

Answer 6

https://www.kxan.com/news/earths-2nd-moon-has-arrived-what-you-need-to-know/#:~:text=(KTLA)%20%E2%80%93%20A%20second%20moon,captured%20by%20Earth's%20gravitational%20pull.

Although a second moon sounds like a much cooler name this second object in our sky is actually an asteroid named 2024 PT5. It's labeled a "mini moon" by scientists who discovered it and it was published October 5th. However, apparently this type of behavior happens every few years and these mini moons only occur for a month or two at most.

Comments

I appreciate the source that you included and the fact that you added the actual name of the asteroid that has been called a "mini moon", but I wish that you had included some direct quotes from the article, for example “There’s no way for small telescopes to see this mini-moon. It’s far too small — about the size of a bus,” Dr. David Reitzel, an astronomical lecturer at Griffith Observatory, told Nexstar’s KTLA. “Only the world’s largest telescopes can detect it, or a very long exposure is required.” Which is a very cool piece of information about the size which debunks the belief of a second moon further.

Answer 7

Earth's new "second moon" is just an asteroid paying a visit. This asteroid from the Arjuna asteroid group will follow a horseshoe-shaped path around Earth from September 29 to November 25, 2024, before being pulled back into its heliocentric orbit. It's described as a "mini-moon," but even that is a stretch as it won't complete a full orbit of Earth once. These "mini-moon" events are rare but not impossible, with similar events happening in 1981, 2020, and 2022. After the asteroid departs our orbit in November, it is said to be expected to make a return in 2025 and 2055.

The source for this information is where Tatyana Woodall debriefs the mini moons' birth in our orbit using information from NASA and interviews with planetary specialists about the importance of studying asteroids.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/second-mini-moon-asteroid#:~:text=Even%20calling%20the%20object%20a,make%20multiple%20circuits%20around%20it.

Answer 8

The initial headline can be extremely misleading. CBS is a very reliable source and while reliable this article is very misleading. Looking at the headline and through the article they structure it in a way that makes you believe we are actually getting a second moon. However it is just an asteroid that will orbit in earths gravitational pull. I used the link below to help fact check this article because while not necessarily incorrect definitely misleading. CBS also didn't interview anyone for the article just borrowed a quote from another publisher while NBC did take the time to interview Carlos de la Fuente Marcos, who co-authored a study about the asteroid.

https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/mini-moon-asteroid-to-orbit-earth-temporarily-rcna172264 

Answer 9

This claim is not entirely wrong but is very misleading. According to the CBS News article provided, Earth will be getting what is referred to as a "mini-moon". An asteroid from the Arjua asteroid belt has started to orbit Earth. And when something orbits the Earth for a full revolution, it's considered a mini-moon. This will last from September 29th till November 25th which qualifies this asteroid as a mini moon. By no means the Earth will be getting a true second moon.

Comments

Nice work on your fact-check. Please include all source URLs (re: CBS) next time. Thanks! Also, it's best to include sources not included in the claim.

Answer 10

slightly mislead by the factcheck. it does not appear that the object that will orbit earth for two months is large enough to be considered a moon but instead just an asteroid that will be temporarily pulled into orbit. The "mini moon" moniker is likely a simplification to relate the story to the public, but it seems unnecessary.

Comments

interesting! Do you have more than one source for this information?