Earth is gaining a temporary second moon! Here’s everything you need to know.

An asteroid, concerning the dimension of a metropolis bus, will quickly change into a “mini-moon” as it would get caught in Earth’s gravitational pull. Named 2024 PT5, this asteroid is predicted to enter Earth’s orbit on September 29, 2024, and can keep till November 25. Whereas the time period “mini-moon” might sound peculiar, it’s utilized by scientists to explain any small celestial physique briefly captured by Earth’s gravity. The asteroid was found by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Final Alert System) challenge again in August.

Not a Uncommon Incidence

Mini-moons are usually not as uncommon as one would possibly assume. These area objects are sometimes small asteroids that go shut sufficient to Earth to be captured by its gravity, usually for temporary intervals. 2024 PT5 is predicted to remain inside Earth’s orbit for slightly below two months earlier than persevering with its journey by way of area. Related mini-moons have been recorded in recent times. For example, in 2020, an object considered a mini-moon was later recognized as area particles from a Nineteen Sixties rocket launch. Nevertheless, 2024 PT5 is believed to be a real asteroid, in response to scientists at ATLAS.

A Momentary Flyby

Although known as a mini-moon, 2024 PT5 will not full a full orbit round Earth. As an alternative, it will likely be a “briefly captured flyby,” circling round 25 p.c of the planet’s floor earlier than heading off once more into the photo voltaic system. These temporary encounters are frequent, and plenty of mini-moons do not stick round lengthy sufficient to type a steady orbit.

Can You See It?

Sadly, recognizing this mini-moon with the bare eye and even with most telescopes will probably be almost unattainable. The asteroid’s magnitude, or brightness, is way too dim to be detected by normal novice astronomy gear. Its absolute magnitude is reported to be 27.593, a lot fainter than what could be noticed with even a 12-inch telescope. Solely essentially the most superior observatories will be capable to monitor this mini-moon’s temporary look.