A new mini moon named Asteroid 2024 PT5 has entered Earth's orbit. Captured by gravity, this small rock will circle our planet for two months before departing.
"What is Asteroid 2024 PT5?
Size: About 10 meters wide, roughly the size of a bus.
Discovery: First spotted by scientists in Spain this past August.
Orbit Duration: Expected to orbit Earth for about two months, before breaking free on November 25."
"Earth has a new temporary visitor in space: a small asteroid named 2024 PT5. This mini moon, about the size of a bus, was pulled into our planet's gravity on Sunday. However, don’t expect to see it in the night sky from India or anywhere else without advanced telescopes.
Asteroid 2024 PT5 is around 10 meters wide and was first spotted by scientists in Spain last August. It is expected to orbit Earth for about two months, moving around our planet before flying away on November 25. Unlike our regular Moon, this mini moon will not make a complete orbit around Earth before leaving.
This asteroid belongs to the Arjuna asteroid belt, which travels around the Sun in a path similar to Earth's. Mini moons like 2024 PT5 are not as rare as you might think; another one was discovered in 2020, although they are usually small and hard to see.
Can We See It from India?
Sadly, this mini moon cannot be seen with the naked eye. Even standard telescopes won't pick it up; only large, professional telescopes can detect 2024 PT5 due to its small size and faintness. So, unless you have access to significant astronomical equipment, you’ll need to check out images from observatories online.
Scientists are unsure if this asteroid is just a space rock or possibly a fragment from the Moon that broke off long ago. Interestingly, this mini moon is expected to return near Earth in 2055, making it a rare but not unique visitor. While 2024 PT5 will be here for a short time, it reminds us of the many objects zooming past Earth. With thousands of space rocks nearby, scientists keep a close watch on these cosmic travelers to better understand our dynamic solar system."
