Earth will get a second "mini-moon" for 2 months this year
In 2024, Earth will temporarily gain a mini-moon, asteroid 2024 PT5, from September 29 to November 25, before returning to its solar orbit, with closest approach on January 9, 2025.
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Earth will temporarily gain a second "mini-moon" for approximately two months in 2024, as a small asteroid designated 2024 PT5 enters its orbit. Discovered in August by researchers at the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System in South Africa, this asteroid will orbit Earth in a horseshoe pattern from September 29 to November 25. The asteroid, which originates from the Arjuna asteroid belt, has been tracked for 21 days, confirming its path. Unlike other near-Earth objects that may not complete a full orbit, 2024 PT5 will be captured by Earth's gravity, allowing it to orbit for 56.6 days before reverting to its original solar orbit. This mini-moon is larger than previous ones, such as 2020 CD3 and 2022 NX1, which have also orbited Earth. After its temporary stay, 2024 PT5 will make its closest approach to Earth on January 9, 2025, before leaving the vicinity and returning to Earth's orbit again in about 30 years. While it will be too small to be seen with amateur telescopes, professional astronomers may be able to observe it with more powerful equipment.
- Earth will have a second mini-moon, 2024 PT5, from September 29 to November 25, 2024.
- The asteroid was discovered by NASA-funded researchers in South Africa.
- 2024 PT5 will orbit Earth for 56.6 days before returning to its solar orbit.
- It will make its closest approach to Earth on January 9, 2025.
- The mini-moon will be too small for amateur telescopes but may be visible to professional astronomers.
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