Ever wondered what it would be like if Earth had two moons? Soon, Earth will temporarily have a second moon, called a “mini-moon.” This happens when an asteroid gets caught in Earth’s gravity. But it won’t stay for long. This mini-moon will orbit Earth for a few months before it moves on.
The Arrival of 2024 PT5
The asteroid, named 2024 PT5, will enter Earth’s orbit on September 29, 2024. But unlike our Moon, this asteroid will only stay for about two months. It is small, about the size of a school bus.
Even though it’s small, an asteroid just a bit bigger than 2024 PT5 could cause great damage if it hit Earth. However, scientists say there’s no danger. The mini-moon will be much farther away than the 400,000 kilometers between Earth and the Moon.
What Are Mini-Moons?
Scientists have seen similar events before. Muhammad Ayyaz Ameen, Director of Space & Atmospheric Sciences at SUPARCO Karachi, said that mini-moons have been spotted before. For example, an asteroid called 2006 RH120 orbited Earth between 2006 and 2007. Another, 2020 CD3, circled Earth from 2016 to 2020 before leaving.
Some asteroids, like 2022 NX1, have even come back near Earth more than once. This shows that mini-moons are part of a repeating cycle in space. The new mini-moon, 2024 PT5, will likely return in 2055.
How to See the Mini-Moon
Though it’s exciting to have a second moon, you won’t be able to see it with your eyes. To observe this mini-moon, you will need a telescope with a lens at least one meter wide. It must also have a special camera called a CCD. This equipment will help scientists watch 2024 PT5 as it moves around Earth.
Ameen says there is no danger from the mini-moon. Instead, it gives scientists a chance to study asteroids and learn more about space.
Why Mini-Moons Matter
Studying mini-moons like 2024 PT5 helps scientists learn about Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). These objects teach us about the past and future of space around Earth. Ameen says that mini-moons give us chances to test space tools and collect data about asteroids. They could even help us figure out how to stop dangerous asteroids from hitting Earth in the future.
Ameen also says that learning about mini-moons could lead to more space exploration. By studying these objects, we may find new ways to protect Earth and learn more about the universe.
Discovering 2024 PT5
The asteroid 2024 PT5 was first seen by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). This system was made to find asteroids near Earth before they get too close. It helps scientists track and study these space rocks.
Though mini-moons are usually too small to spot easily, new technology is making it easier for scientists to find and study them.
The Bigger Picture
In the big picture of space, 2024 PT5 is a small event. Earth’s main moon is 3,475 kilometers across, much larger than this tiny asteroid. For comparison, if Earth was the size of a nickel, the Moon would be the size of a coffee bean.
Even though it’s small, 2024 PT5 gives scientists a great chance to learn more about Near-Earth Objects and how our solar system works. As this mini-moon orbits Earth, scientists will gather important data that could help with future space exploration and planet protection.
A new study suggests that 2024 PT5 likely originated from the Arjuna asteroid group, a secondary belt that orbits near Earth. Due to its proximity, this asteroid is expected to pass by our planet again in January 2025, with another close approach projected in 2055.
