Greetings readers! If you’ve been through social media recently, you may have seen about a new companion in the sky; Earth’s very own mini-moon! Yes, you read that right. As we head to 2024, our planet has temporarily small visitor, and it’s all set to join our orbit.
WHAT IS A MINI-MOON?
2024 has delivered plenty of surprises, and this time it’s a small asteroid that’s been caught by Earth’s gravitational pull. Known as a “mini-moon,” this temporary satellite is about the size of a bus and was pulled into our orbit. But before you hope to spot it, there’s a catch: You’ll need an advanced telescope to see it, as it’s far to be visible.
MEET ASTEROID 2024 PT5
The newly discovered asteroid, named 2024 PT5, is from the Arjuna asteroid belt; a region that contains small rocks with orbits very similar to Earth’s. This particular asteroid measures roughly 33 feet in diameter, making it small but significant in the world of astronomy. It will remain in Earth’s orbit from September 29 to November 25, 2024, before continuing on its journey through space.
GRAVITATIONAL PULL AT WORK
You might be wondering how a mini-moon like 2024 PT5 ends up orbiting Earth in the first place. Well, sometimes our planet’s gravitational field has just the right strength to pull smaller objects, like asteroids, into temporary orbits. In this case, 2024 PT5 was traveling at a speed of 2,200 mph, which allowed Earth’s gravity to capture it.
TEMPORARY VISITOR, MINI MOON
While it’s exciting, it’s important to remember that 2024 PT5 won’t be around for long. It’s expected to stay with us for just two months before it escapes Earth’s gravity and returns to its sun-centered path. These mini-moons are a rare occurrence, and they offer scientists a unique opportunity to study asteroids up close while they’re under Earth’s influence.
DON’T MISS OUT- IF YOU CAN SPOT IT!
For the space enthusiasts among you with access to professional-grade telescopes, this is a great opportunity to observe a mini-moon in action. Though it won’t be as bright or prominent as our permanent moon, its brief stay makes it a noteworthy event for astronomers around the globe.
So, get ready to say hello and goodbye to 2024 PT5, Earth’s temporary companion for the next two months. It’s yet another reminder of the wonders of the universe — and how our planet plays host to more than just our familiar neighbors.
