Earth’s New Mini Moon 2024 PT5: Find Out When

Earth is about to gain a temporary new mini moon, a rare celestial event that showcases the power of Earth’s gravity. This mini moon will be the asteroid 2024 PT5, which was discovered on August 7, 2024. Measuring approximately 10 meters (33 feet) in diameter, 2024 PT5 will be captured by Earth’s gravity from September 29 to November 25, 2024.

During this two-month period, the asteroid will loop around Earth but will not complete a full orbit. After November 25, it will break free from Earth’s gravitational pull and resume orbiting the Sun.

Researchers from the American Astronomical Society explained that near-Earth objects (NEOs) occasionally become temporarily bound by Earth’s gravity, becoming mini moons. While these objects are usually too dim to be seen with the naked eye, they provide valuable insights into gravitational dynamics.

Asteroid 2024 PT5, with its relatively low velocity, offers astronomers a unique opportunity to study how Earth’s gravity affects the trajectories of small celestial bodies. The knowledge gained from studying this mini moon could also be applied to future missions aimed at asteroid mining or exploration.

Though short-lived, 2024 PT5 will serve as another fascinating example of how Earth’s gravity interacts with the space around it, offering new insights into near-Earth objects.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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