What would happen if Earth had a second Moon ?

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At the time when the asteroid 2024 PT5 (often referred to as a mini-moon, as it temporarily orbits Earth) performs a brief dance around our planet, reporters from < em>National Geographic have wondered about the consequences that would the arrival of a real second Moon in our sky. A hypothesis that, although improbable, would have very significant repercussions on the fragile balance of our terrestrial ecosystem.

The secrets of our unique satellite

The Earth-Moon system is characterized by a dynamic gravitational interaction. As puny as it is compared to the Earth (about four times smaller), its force of attraction subtly deforms our planet, giving it a slightly elongated shape, similar to a rugby ball. Indeed, in accordance with the theory of general relativity, any object with mass or energy bends the metric of space-time, our Moon is no exception. This is why our Earth is not a perfect sphere: the Moon “pulls” it towards it, although it is not the only factor explaining the shape of our planet.

This phenomenon, combined with the Earth's rotation, generates the tides that have punctuated marine life for millions of years. ” Almost all living beings are influenced, in subtle or profound ways, by lunar cycles. We are therefore deeply linked to the existence of our Moon ” explains Thomas Statler, NASA's chief scientist.

Two moons in our sky: a nightmare?

If Earth had a second moon like the current one, the consequences would be spectacular, especially on the oceans. The stable configuration of two comparable satellites would radically transform the Earth's tidal system. Not only would the amplitude and frequency of the tides be disrupted, but these changes would affect all marine fauna. From the reproduction cycles of aquatic species to the migrations of large marine mammals, to the balance of coastal ecosystems, all marine biodiversity would have to adapt to this new rhythm.

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These two moons, which exert greater tidal forces, could also increase seismic and volcanic activity. More frequent and larger earthquakes, as well as more intense volcanic eruptions, could not be ruled out.

Human activities would also be affected. Maritime navigation, which relies on precise knowledge of tidal cycles, would require a complete overhaul of its forecasts and routes. Ports, coastal infrastructure, and fishing and transportation activities would have to be redesigned to adapt to this new oceanic reality.

Finally, such a configuration could change the tilt of the Earth's axis of rotation. Since this tilt is responsible for the seasons, a change could lead to significant variations in regional climate systems. The consequences would therefore be multiple and would affect all aspects of our environment: geology, climate, biology, etc.

It should be noted, however, that these scenarios are purely speculative and based on our current understanding of physical phenomena. The geological history of the Earth suggests that the appearance of a second moon is highly unlikely; the orbits of planets and celestial objects in our solar system have, in fact, been relatively stable for billions of years. Furthermore, our Moon has always been alone; if the Earth had acquired a second moon of comparable size in the recent geological past, the phenomenon would have left indelible traces in the rocks and sediments. However, geologists have found no tangible evidence of such an event. This has not prevented some science fiction authors from imagining such a scenario, such as Charles Duits in 1997 with his work, Le Monde aux deux lunes, which explores this very topic.

• A second moon would disrupt the tides, significantly impacting marine life and coastal ecosystems.
• Human activities would be disrupted, with consequences for navigation and coastal infrastructure
• Geological activity could intensify, leading to an increase in earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

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