WASHINGTON, USA: This autumn, Earth is about to gain a temporary second moon as a small asteroid, named 2024 PT5, will be caught by Earth’s gravitational pull. Known as a “mini-moon,” this space visitor will orbit Earth starting on September 29 and stay for around two months before leaving on November 25.
The asteroid, measuring approximately 32 feet (10 meters) in length, is far smaller than our existing moon, and because of its size and dull composition, it will be invisible to the naked eye. Only professional telescopes will be able to capture its presence, and scientists are expecting to release images as it orbits Earth.
2024 PT5 originates from the Arjuna asteroid belt, home to asteroids with orbits similar to Earth’s. When slow-moving asteroids like this one come close enough, Earth’s gravity can capture them temporarily. Although this mini-moon won’t complete a full orbit, it will still provide astronomers a unique opportunity to study such space phenomena.
Mini-moons are not a rare occurrence, but they often go unnoticed due to their size and dimness. In fact, asteroid 2022 NX1 has twice become a temporary moon, in 1981 and again in 2022. Scientists predict 2024 PT5 may return to Earth’s orbit in 2055, giving space enthusiasts another chance to marvel at these fascinating cosmic events.
