What would happen to the Earth if a second Moon really did appear?

You've probably heard the big news that the Earth has a “second Moon” for a while. Fortunately, this is not true – it's just a small asteroid the size of a bus, which is five times further from our planet than the real Moon. It cannot be seen with the naked eye, so it doesn't even qualify as a mini-Moon. This asteroid can't be called a satellite either, since it would have to make at least a few revolutions around our planet to be one, but that won't happen. Why is this “fortunately” an asteroid and not a full-fledged Moon? You'll figure it out for yourself later.

What would happen to the Earth if a second Moon really appeared? If the Earth had two Moons, it would look completely different. Photo source: novyny.live. Photo.

If the Earth had two Moons, it would look completely different. Photo source: novyny.live

Contents

  • 1 How the Moon affects the Earth
  • 2 How two Moons would affect the Earth
  • 3 Two Moons would change the climate on Earth
  • 4 Two Moons could collide

How the Moon affects the Earth

The Moon, at first glance, simply revolves around our planet and provides us with light nights from time to time. Otherwise, we do not feel its presence in orbit. Yes, you may have heard that moonlight falling on a sleeping person causes headaches, and in general, the satellite affects a person's physical condition. However, in reality, this is just another myth about the Moon.

However, the natural satellite influences life on our planet much more than one might suppose. In fact, the “oxygen” life that surrounds us arose thanks to the Moon. More precisely, it slowed down the rotation of the Earth around its axis, which resulted in an increase in the length of the day. Thanks to this, cyanobacteria had enough time to fill the atmosphere with oxygen during the day.

How the Moon affects the Earth. The oxygen catastrophe occurred thanks to the Moon. Source: dzen.ru. Photo.

The oxygen catastrophe was caused by the Moon. Source: dzen.ru

In addition, gravitational attraction creates the ebb and flow of the oceans. This phenomenon has influenced the evolution of coastal species, and even human societies. But most importantly, the Moon stabilizes the Earth's orbit and axial tilt. This is why our planet has a stable climate and predictable seasons.

How Two Moons Will Affect the Earth

Considering how important the Moon is for the Earth, it is not difficult to guess that if there had been a second satellite, the conditions on our planet would have been completely different. For example, two Moons would have created more powerful tidal forces. The tides would have become higher and sharper. As a result, life on the coast would have become almost impossible. The difference between high and low tides could have been measured in thousands of meters. It is not difficult to guess that this would have led to extreme coastal erosion and a number of other problems.

The survival of species that live in the intertidal zone would also have become problematic. But perhaps their evolution would have followed a different scenario, and they would have adapted to such conditions. But if we imagine that the second Moon appeared suddenly, then many organisms in this case are doomed to die.

How two Moons will affect the Earth. Two Moons would affect the tides. Photo source: pogodnik.com. Photo.

Two Moons would affect the tides. Photo source: pogodnik.com

Accordingly, humanity would also have serious problems. People would have to find new methods of interacting with the ocean. Many cities, ports and infrastructure would have to be moved and modified. At the same time, the area of ​​​​land suitable for life would be much smaller than it is now.

It should also be noted that mankind has historically relied on the Moon to determine time. For example, it was important in agriculture. Perhaps a two-month system would force a rethink of the way time is measured. Most likely, months based on the lunar cycle would lose their relevance. The new system would certainly take into account the movement of both months.

Two Moons Would Change the Climate on Earth

With two satellites, the forces stabilizing the Earth's orbit and tilt could be strengthened. That is, the Earth would become even more stable. However, the opposite effect could also occur – destabilization of the planet's rotation. This depends on the size and location of the Moons.

Two Moons would change the climate on Earth. Two Moons would change the climate on Earth. Photo source: astv.ru. Photo.

Two Moons would change the climate on Earth. Photo source: astv.ru

If the gravitational forces of the two moons were to oppose each other, the Earth's axial tilt could fluctuate. This would lead to extreme and unpredictable climate changes. As a result, many species would not be able to adapt to the environmental conditions. Obviously, only the most resilient organisms would be able to survive in such conditions.

The two moons could collide

One of the main disadvantages of a two-moon system is the high risk that the satellites will collide at some point. The fact is that both satellites, like the Moon, will gradually move away from the Earth. Eventually, their orbits may intersect, which could be a disaster not only for the satellites themselves, but also for our planet.

Two Moons Could Collide. A Collision of Two Moons Would Cause Extinction on Earth. Source: forbes.ru. Photo.

A Collision of Two Moons Would Cause Extinction on Earth. Source: forbes.ru

The debris would likely fall to Earth, causing a mass extinction similar to the one that occurred after the Earth collided with the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs. Most likely, such a collision would result in the formation of one large satellite. This would also change all processes on the planet that depend on the Moon.

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To summarize all of the above, if there were two Moons, everything on Earth would look completely different. Perhaps you and I wouldn't exist either. But how exactly the planet would have changed – we can only assume and guess.


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