This month, Earth will briefly gain a second moon, a small asteroid known as 2024 PT5.
According to space.com, unlike Earth’s permanent companion the actual moon, which has orbited the planet for roughly 4 billion years, this “mini-moon” will only remain in Earth’s orbit for about two months before continuing its journey around the sun.
How to see Earth’s mini-moon
The asteroid, measuring approximately 33 feet wide, will be too dim to see with the naked eye or even with typical binoculars or home telescopes. However, experts say professional telescopes will have the ability to capture images of its brief stay.
What is the mini-moon?
2024 PT5 hails from the Arjuna asteroid belt, a group of space rocks with orbits similar to Earth’s. It was first spotted on Aug. 7 by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), a survey system designed to detect objects that could pose a threat to Earth.
Though its visit is short-lived, the asteroid is not expected to impact the planet. After departing from Earth’s orbit, it will return to its regular path, trailing the planet as it orbits the sun.
Source: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2024/10/01/earth-mini-moon-how-to-see-it-and-what-to-know/75454567007/
