Today, Earth will temporarily capture a small asteroid, known as 2024 PT5, in its gravitational field. This asteroid comes from the Arjuna asteroid belt, where rocks have orbits similar to Earth’s. Named 2024 PT5, this object will become a temporary " mini-moon" from September 29 to November 25.
Although it excites space enthusiasts, 2024 PT5 will not be visible to the naked eye due to its size and dimness. Even binoculars or home telescopes will not help to see it. Only professional equipment can capture images. Dr. Jennifer Millard, host of the Awesome Astronomy podcast, said, "You'll be able to see wonderful pictures online of this little dot speeding past the stars."
NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) first detected the asteroid on August 7. Measuring about 33 feet wide, it will not complete a full revolution around Earth but will have its path slightly altered by Earth's gravity before moving on.
Some asteroids get close to Earth, with some, like 2024 PT5, moving slowly enough to be temporarily trapped by Earth's gravity. This phenomenon has happened before; for instance, asteroid 2022 NX1 became a mini-moon in 1981 and again in 2022.
If you miss 2024 PT5's visit this time, it is expected to return to Earth's orbit in 2055. Dr. Millard emphasized the dynamic nature of our solar system and the continuous discoveries being made, noting, "This story shows just how busy our solar system is and how much remains undiscovered. This asteroid was only detected earlier this year."
Although it excites space enthusiasts, 2024 PT5 will not be visible to the naked eye due to its size and dimness. Even binoculars or home telescopes will not help to see it. Only professional equipment can capture images. Dr. Jennifer Millard, host of the Awesome Astronomy podcast, said, "You'll be able to see wonderful pictures online of this little dot speeding past the stars."
NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) first detected the asteroid on August 7. Measuring about 33 feet wide, it will not complete a full revolution around Earth but will have its path slightly altered by Earth's gravity before moving on.
Some asteroids get close to Earth, with some, like 2024 PT5, moving slowly enough to be temporarily trapped by Earth's gravity. This phenomenon has happened before; for instance, asteroid 2022 NX1 became a mini-moon in 1981 and again in 2022.
If you miss 2024 PT5's visit this time, it is expected to return to Earth's orbit in 2055. Dr. Millard emphasized the dynamic nature of our solar system and the continuous discoveries being made, noting, "This story shows just how busy our solar system is and how much remains undiscovered. This asteroid was only detected earlier this year."
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