September 15, 2024 – In an extraordinary cosmic event, Earth is set to host a mini-moon in the form of asteroid 2024 PT5 for a brief 53-day period, from September 29 to November 25, 2024.
Discovered by NASA’s ATLAS system, this 10-meter-wide asteroid will make a rare horseshoe-shaped loop around our planet. Unlike typical asteroids that either orbit Earth or pass by, 2024 PT5 will engage in a temporary gravitational dance before continuing its journey through space.
Originating likely from the Arjuna asteroid belt, 2024 PT5 will not complete a full orbit but will remain within Earth’s gravitational influence for over seven weeks. This event mirrors the behavior seen with asteroid 2022 NX1 and underscores the dynamic interactions between Earth and space objects.
This temporary capture offers a unique opportunity for scientists to observe and study the asteroid’s trajectory and interaction with Earth’s gravity. As the asteroid approaches, astronomers are eagerly anticipating valuable data from this rare celestial phenomenon.
