A new 'mini-moon' comes to Earth this fall
- An asteroid named 2024 PT5 will be captured by Earth's gravity from September 29 to November 25.
- This object, approximately 33 feet long, is classified as a mini-moon, although it won't complete a full orbit.
- The event highlights the dynamic nature of our solar system and the ongoing discoveries in astronomy.
This fall, Earth will temporarily capture an asteroid named 2024 PT5, which is approximately 33 feet long. Discovered by researchers in South Africa, this space rock will enter Earth's gravitational orbit from September 29 to November 25. Unlike permanent moons, mini-moons are transient objects that orbit a planet for a limited time. There is some debate among scientists regarding the classification of 2024 PT5 as a mini-moon since it will not complete a full orbit before being pulled back by the sun's gravity. The phenomenon of mini-moons is not new; in 2020, astronomers identified another similar object, 2020 CD3, which orbited Earth for over a year. The upcoming visit of 2024 PT5 is significant as scientists predict it will be captured by Earth's gravity again in 2055. This cyclical nature of mini-moons provides valuable opportunities for research and observation. Despite the excitement surrounding its arrival, 2024 PT5 will not be visible to the naked eye or through typical amateur telescopes. Professional astronomers will be able to observe it using specialized equipment, as the asteroid is too small and dim for standard viewing methods. The asteroid was first detected by the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, which monitors potential threats from space. Importantly, there is no cause for concern regarding 2024 PT5, as scientists have confirmed that it is not on a collision course with Earth. This event serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system and the ongoing discoveries being made in the field of astronomy.