Earth is about to gain a temporary companion in space—Mini Moon PT5, officially designated as 2024 PT5. This near-Earth asteroid (NEA) is expected to enter Earth’s orbit on 29 September 2024 and will remain in orbit for just under two months before being released back into the solar system.
Mini Moon PT5, measuring approximately 11 meters in diameter—roughly the size of two giraffes—has been classified as an Arjuna asteroid. According to a study published in the Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society, this fascinating celestial body will be captured by Earth’s gravity as it approaches at a low relative velocity.
The asteroid is projected to depart from Earth’s orbit on 25 November 2024, resuming its journey around the sun. However, Mini Moon PT5 will make another close approach to Earth on 9 January 2025, offering another opportunity for observation.
Earth’s Mini-Moons: A Brief Overview
Researchers explain that Earth regularly captures near-Earth objects (NEOs) into orbit, commonly referred to as “temporarily captured flybys.” These mini-moons are typically short-lived, as the gravitational forces eventually pull them back into their original solar orbits. This phenomenon highlights the dynamic relationship between Earth and various celestial bodies.
Where is 2024 PT5 Located?
Currently, Mini Moon PT5 is located in the constellation Draco, situated about 1.9 million miles (3 million km) away from Earth. Despite its proximity, the asteroid is too faint to be seen with the naked eye or through standard backyard telescopes. Only professional astronomers utilizing powerful 30-inch telescopes will be able to view this intriguing asteroid.
The Origins of Mini Moon PT5
Asteroids like Mini Moon PT5 are believed to originate from the Main Asteroid Belt, which lies between Mars and Jupiter. Specifically, 2024 PT5 belongs to the Arjuna asteroid group, which has an orbit similar to that of Earth around the sun. As the asteroid approaches Earth on 29 September, our planet’s gravitational pull will cause it to temporarily enter orbit.
Discovered on 7 August 2024 by South Africa’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope, Mini Moon PT5 represents a significant event in our cosmic neighborhood. The same system was responsible for identifying the recent naked-eye comet A3.
Can We See Mini Moon PT5?
Unfortunately, 2024 PT5 will not be visible to the naked eye, and home telescopes are unlikely to provide sufficient clarity. “The object is too small and dim for typical amateur telescopes and binoculars,” explained Carlos de la Fuente Marcos, one of the authors of the journal entry describing the asteroid. He further noted, “However, the object is well within the brightness range of telescopes typically used by professional astronomers,” suggesting that while most observers may not catch a glimpse, dedicated astronomers will have the tools necessary for observation.
The brief stay of Mini Moon PT5 in Earth’s orbit serves as a reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our cosmic environment. As we anticipate its arrival, the event sparks curiosity about our planet’s interaction with celestial bodies and the potential for future discoveries in space.
