2024 PT5: The Asteroid Set to Become Earth’s Mini-Moon for Two Months

This year, Earth will temporarily gain a second moon for nearly two months. According to a study published in *Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society*, the asteroid 2024 PT5, originating from the Arjuna asteroid belt, will be briefly captured by Earth’s gravitational pull. While it’s not technically a second moon, it will behave like a mini-moon during its time in orbit.

When objects in space get close to Earth, they can either fully orbit the planet or make a partial pass, known as a “flyby.” 2024 PT5, discovered on August 7, will follow a horseshoe-shaped path around Earth, completing a semi-orbit before continuing its regular trajectory around the sun. This temporary mini-moon will remain within Earth’s gravitational influence between September 29 and November 25, 2024.

Paul Chodas, head of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies, noted that there’s a possibility the asteroid might have originated from the Moon due to its unique motion. While 2024 PT5 won’t be easily visible to the naked eye, Earth’s moon has had similar companions in the past.

The study explains that Earth occasionally captures asteroids from the Near-Earth Object (NEO) population, temporarily turning them into mini-moons. A similar flyby, 2022 NX1, occurred in 1981 and again in 2022.

However, 2024 PT5 is so small and dim that it won’t be visible through regular binoculars or amateur telescopes. As reported by Carlos de la Fuente Marcos, lead author of the study, only professional-grade telescopes will be able to spot this tiny visitor.

FAQs

What is 2024 PT5?

2024 PT5 is a small asteroid temporarily caught in Earth’s gravitational pull, completing a partial orbit before returning to its solar path. It is often referred to as a “mini-moon” but is too small to be seen without advanced equipment.

When will PT5 be near Earth?

The mini-moon will be closest to Earth from September 29 to November 25, 2024, following a horseshoe-shaped orbit before leaving Earth’s gravitational field.