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Asteroid 2024 PT5 will temporarily orbit Earth from September 29 to November 25, becoming a “mini-moon”.
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The asteroid, estimated to be 37 feet in diameter, poses no collision risk and will orbit 2.6 million miles away.
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This event is rare, with long-term mini-moon captures occurring infrequently, and astronomers will study 2024 PT5 to enhance understanding of Earth’s temporary companions.
Get ready for a brief celestial visitor! Astronomers have discovered asteroid 2024 PT5, which will temporarily orbit Earth from September 29 to November 25. This mini-moon will make its appearance and then vanish into space.
First spotted by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on August 7, 2024 PT5 is believed to be around 37 feet in diameter. However, more data is needed to confirm its size, which could range from 16 to 138 feet.
During its brief stint as a mini-moon, 2024 PT5 will orbit Earth at a distance of 2.6 million miles, about 10 times farther than the moon. Fortunately, there’s no risk of collision. Astronomers will use advanced telescopes to gather more data on its size and trajectory.
This event is rare, with long-term mini-moon captures occurring infrequently. After completing its brief orbit, 2024 PT5 will make another close flyby in January 2025 and is predicted to return as a mini-moon in 2055 and 2084. Amateur astronomers won’t be able to spot this dim object, but scientists will study it to enhance our understanding of Earth’s temporary companions.
