Earth to Greet a Temporary “Mini-Moon” This Autumn

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A Cosmic Visitor on Its Way

Prepare for a celestial event! Earth is set to welcome a temporary second moon—an asteroid named 2024 PT5—captured by our planet’s gravity. Expected to arrive on September 29, it will orbit Earth for about two months before drifting back into space.

While this mini-moon is thrilling, it will be too small and dim for most people to see. Without a professional telescope, spotting this asteroid will be nearly impossible.

The Science Behind the Mini-Moon

First detected by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on August 7, asteroid 2024 PT5 has been under close observation. Originating from the Arjuna asteroid belt, it occasionally approaches Earth, where our planet’s gravity can temporarily capture it.

Traveling at about 2,200 mph (3,540 km/h), 2024 PT5 will not complete a full orbit but will experience slight changes to its trajectory during its stay, as explained by astronomer Dr. Jennifer Millard.

Measuring approximately 32 feet (10 meters), 2024 PT5 is minuscule compared to Earth’s moon, which has a diameter of about 3,474 km. Its small size and rocky surface mean it’s invisible to the naked eye, even with binoculars.

However, enthusiasts with professional-grade telescopes can catch a glimpse of this mini-moon as it moves rapidly through the night sky. Dr. Millard encourages skywatchers to look out for images of the asteroid.

Mini-moons like 2024 PT5 have been observed before, and many remain undetected. Some, such as asteroid 2022 NX1, have returned for repeat visits, showcasing the dynamic nature of our solar system.

If you miss this opportunity, don’t worry! Scientists predict 2024 PT5 will return to Earth’s orbit in 2055, providing another chance for observation.

Dr. Millard underscores the importance of monitoring the night sky, noting that countless objects are still undiscovered. “This story highlights how busy our solar system is,” she says, reminding us of the ongoing journey to understand space.