What If Earth Picked Up a Second Moon?

We owe a lot to our moon. Beautiful moonlit walks, higher tides, and regular seasons - all are made possible by our little rocky friend. But what would happen if we picked up a second moon?

Thanks to Dr. Neil Comins at the University of Maine for his orbital mechanics expertise and help with this episode!

Hosted by: Hank Green

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Sources:
Correspondence with Dr. Neil Comins

Image Sources:

[KEVMAN]

I'd rather the moon capture its own, smaller moon. Then we'd have a moonmoon.

[Hevesh]

I’m so glad that the moon is the way it is. This was a super interesting video. And so cool to see my video featured at 4:17!!

[TheBenduOrder]

Poor Werewolves. They didn't see that coming...

[UGMD]

Mario has 800 something moons so I’m guessing earth would be fine

[Legotankt]

That 'Just the Two of Us" reference killed me faster than a second moon ever could.

[Master_Therion]

We would we name it "Moon 2: Electric Boogaloo."

[Your_Future_Overlord]

3:49 This is the most wholesome piece of dialogue I've heard all day

[bobthegoat]

Hank: "Don't ever pick up a third friend!"
The sun: "You always forget about me😢"

[PamdaDev]

Thank you moon and Thank you Hank and Team for everything you guys do for the world. Love you all

[ToadRoach]

Considering the best explanations for how we got our first moon, I wouldn't really want to be here during the time that we acquired another.

[Aximill]

'Seveneves' is a lengthy novel of what happens when the moon is destroyed. Great read.

[RosheenQuynh]

I'm always thankful for the moon. I love the nighttime for a reason :)

[michaelmckeay]

Can you do a sequal on what benefits a second moon could provide?

[hopingtobewheatnotatare]

*There are currently 2 moons now...THATS EXACTLY WHY YOU CAN SEE A MOON OUT IN THE DAY...AND THAT SAME NIGHT, SEE ANOTHER MOON. Unless the earth has quit spinning...and since the other side of the earth hasn't reported not seeing the moon on their side...THEN THERE HAS TO BE TWO OF THEM.*

[robertostler]

How crazy would it be to watch 2 moons collide on a clear, cloudless night

[marpsr]

The Earth having a duplicate Moon was the subject of a great Space 1999 episode.

[darkdialga]

Kerbin gets along just fine with two moons.

[JohnCena]

Man, i didn't knew that earth and the moon were in such an abusive relationship..
Moon isn't allowed to hang up with other big rocks other than earth or she will completely go downhill.

[ScottJPowers]

Sounds like a plot for a good scifi movie :)

[ursaltydog]

Thinks of Clair de Lune or Moonlight Sonata playing in the background..