Earth is poised to gain a new mini-moon, designated 2024 PT5, from September 29 to November 25.
This small asteroid, measuring approximately 10 meters (33 feet) in diameter, was discovered on August 7 through the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System.
Researchers Carlos de la Fuente Marcos and Raúl de la Fuente Marcos from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid calculated that its size, speed, and trajectory would allow it to be temporarily captured by Earth’s gravitational field for 53 days.
During this period, 2024 PT5 will make a single pass around Earth before continuing its journey through the solar system.
According to a report in the Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society, the mini-moon won’t complete a full orbit but will instead be released from Earth’s gravitational pull after its brief visit.
This event is known as a “temporarily captured flyby,” where an asteroid is caught by Earth’s gravity for a short period but doesn’t remain in orbit like other mini-moons that have lingered longer.
