This week, Earth will gain an unusual companion as the asteroid known as 2024 PT5 enters our planet’s orbit, marking the arrival of a “mini-moon.” Roughly the length of a double-decker bus, this temporary celestial visitor is expected to circle our planet for about two months, starting September 29.
A mini-moon is defined as a small object orbiting a larger celestial body, which can either be an asteroid made of rock or a comet comprised of a mix of rock, dust, and ice. According to Dr. Daniel Brown, an astronomy expert at Nottingham Trent University, this phenomenon is a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of our solar system.
Discovered in August 2023, 2024 PT5 will make its approach at a distance of approximately 353,200 miles (568,500 kilometers) from Earth. It belongs to the Arjuna asteroid belt, a collection of space rocks that revolve around the Sun. Dr. Brown noted that the mini-moon is expected to orbit Earth for 57 days before it is propelled away by its own momentum, exiting our gravitational influence. “There is nothing explosive or dramatic happening for it to leave; it simply has too much energy to stay in our orbit for long,” he explained.
Though its stay will be temporary, this isn’t the last we’ll see of 2024 PT5. Scientists predict that it will return to Earth’s orbit in 2055, providing another opportunity for observation.
Mini-moons are not rare occurrences, but they often go unnoticed due to their small size and faint visibility. The last known mini-moon, 2020 CD3, orbited Earth for over a year before drifting away. While this year’s visitor will not be visible to the naked eye, astronomers will be able to track it through telescopes, adding to our understanding of these fascinating celestial objects.
Asteroids like 2024 PT5 are classified as near-Earth objects (NEOs), meaning they frequently pass by our planet. While astronomers closely monitor these objects to assess potential threats, experts have assured us that 2024 PT5 poses no risk to Earth.
As we prepare to welcome this unique mini-moon, it serves as a reminder of the wonders of our solar system and the ongoing exploration of the cosmos.
Read more at Sky News.
