Earth Welcomes Temporary ‘Mini-Moon’ 2024

September 17, 2024

From September 29 to November 25, 2024, Earth will have a temporary companion called asteroid 2024 PT5. This asteroid will orbit around our planet for two months, acting like a mini-moon. However, it will not be visible to the naked eye or even most amateur telescopes because it is too faint.

What is a mini-moon?

A mini-moon is a small asteroid that gets temporarily caught by Earth’s gravity. Unlike our permanent Moon, these mini-moons stay for a short period and then move away. Asteroid 2024 PT5, which is about 10 meters (33 feet) in size, will be one of these mini-moons, briefly orbiting alongside our Moon during its time near Earth.

Characteristics of Asteroid 2024 PT5

Asteroid 2024 PT5 was first spotted by NASA’s ATLAS program on August 7, 2024. Its path is similar to other asteroids from the Arjuna asteroid belt. Instead of making a complete orbit around Earth, it will follow a horseshoe-shaped path before breaking free from Earth’s gravity and continuing its journey in space.

Scientific Importance

This mini-moon gives scientists a chance to learn more about how near-Earth objects behave when they come close to our planet. By studying how asteroid 2024 PT5 interacts with Earth’s gravity, astronomers can improve their ability to predict the paths of other asteroids in the future.

Historical Context of Mini-Moons

Yes, Earth has had other mini-moons in the past. For example, one orbited our planet from July 2006 to July 2007. Another asteroid, called 2022 NX1, temporarily orbited Earth in 1981 and again in 2022. These events show that Earth occasionally catches small asteroids in its gravitational field.

Can we see asteroid 2024 PT5?

Even though this mini-moon is interesting, it will be very hard to see. With a brightness magnitude of 22, only very advanced observatories will be able to detect it. Most people, even with good telescopes, won’t be able to watch its passage.

About mini-moons

Mini-moons are temporary natural satellites that orbit Earth after being captured by its gravity. They are often small—usually just a few meters in diameter—and stay in orbit for only a short time, typically a few months. The most famous mini-moon, called 2006 RH120, orbited Earth for about a year. These objects help scientists better understand the movement and dynamics of asteroids in space, but they are very different from our permanent Moon.

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