Earth's Temporary Second Moon: Asteroid 2024 PT5 to Orbit from September 29
Scientists at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid have tracked 2024 PT5 for 21 days, confirming its trajectory.
Representational image of asteroid.
This year, Earth will temporarily gain a second moon when a small asteroid, designated 2024 PT5, begins orbiting the planet for about two months.
Discovered in August by researchers from the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System in South Africa, the asteroid will follow a horseshoe-shaped orbit from September 29 to November 25.
Scientists at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid have tracked 2024 PT5 for 21 days, confirming its trajectory.
Originating from the Arjuna asteroid belt, it will orbit Earth for approximately 56.6 days.
While other near-Earth objects have entered Earth's orbit, few complete a full revolution, making 2024 PT5 a notable "mini-moon."
