- A small asteroid, 2024 PT5, will be temporarily captured by Earth’s gravity, becoming a “mini-moon” for about two months.
- The asteroid belongs to the Arjuna asteroid belt and will return to its original orbit after a brief stay.
- Though too faint for most amateur telescopes, professional astronomers will study the object using large telescopes.
Earth is about to get a temporary second moon, as asteroid 2024 PT5 will be captured by our planet’s gravity for about two months. This small asteroid from the Arjuna asteroid belt will not complete a full orbit and will eventually return to its original path in space. Events like this occur several times a decade, but the temporary nature of these mini-moons makes them fascinating for scientists.
Unfortunately, 2024 PT5 will be too faint to see with amateur telescopes. However, professional astronomers will study it closely, using advanced telescopes to learn more about its composition and behavior. This short-lived mini-moon offers a unique chance to observe a near-Earth object and better understand the dynamics of our solar system.
