Earth is soon to gain a temporary companion, a “mini moon”. This small asteroid will be captured by Earth’s gravity on Sunday, orbiting the planet for about two months before moving on.
This mini moon, known as Asteroid 2024 PT5, measures approximately 10 metres, similar to the size of a bus. Astronomers at Spain’s Complutense University first detected it in August. Carlos de la Fuente Marcos and Raúl de la Fuente Marcos documented their discovery in the American Astronomical Society’s publication. The asteroid will circle Earth for around 57 days but won’t complete a full orbit before its departure on 25 November. It is expected to pass by Earth again in 2055.
Despite its close proximity, the mini moon won’t be visible from India or any other part of Earth without advanced telescopes. According to Carlos de la Fuente Marcos, it can be observed with large, research-grade telescopes.
Hello there, little one 👋 Welcome to Earth!
Starting Sunday, a small asteroid will spend two months nearby as a #MiniMoon before heading back home to deep space.
📸 NASA/JPL-Caltech pic.twitter.com/6uPn6hxelf
— AGU’s Eos (@AGU_Eos) September 27, 2024
Mini moons, while fascinating, are not exceptionally rare. MIT astronomer Richard Binzel suggests they are more common than previously thought. The last known mini moon was detected in 2020. He explains that these events occur with some frequency, but the objects are often too small and difficult to detect. Recent advancements in survey capabilities have improved our ability to spot them.
The exact origin of this mini moon remains uncertain. Richard Binzel notes it could either be an asteroid or possibly a fragment of the moon that was blasted out.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Jagran Josh reports that asteroid 2024 PT5, a temporary mini-moon, will orbit Earth from September 29 to November 25, visible with larger telescopes only.(read more)
- CNBC TV18 reports Earth’s temporary ‘mini-moon’ asteroid 2024 PT5, visible September 29 to November 25, requires professional equipment to spot, stressing its small size and orbital uniqueness.(read more)
- NDTV reports on asteroid 2024 PT5 becoming Earth’s temporary ‘mini-moon’ from September 29 to November 25, emphasizing its origin and capture by Earth’s gravity.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is a mini moon?
A mini moon is a small asteroid temporarily captured by Earth’s gravity, orbiting it for a short period.
How big is this mini moon?
This mini moon, named Asteroid 2024 PT5, is about 10 meters in size, roughly the size of a bus.
Can we see the mini moon from India?
No, the mini moon won’t be visible to the naked eye or through amateur telescopes from any part of Earth.
How long will the mini moon orbit Earth?
The mini moon will orbit Earth for about 57 days before moving on.
Are mini moons rare?
Mini moons are likely more common than we realize but are hard to detect due to their small size.
