Is Mini-Moon About to Stun Us? Asteroid 2024 PT5 Will Visit Earth Soon!
Mini-Moon will be here from September 29 to November 25 before it goes back into space.
It was first spotted on August 7 by NASA's ATLAS system and is about 33 feet wide.
A small asteroid will soon become a mini-moon for Earth, caught by our gravity for a short time.
It will be here from September 29 to November 25 before it goes back into space.
Space fans and stargazers are eager to see the asteroid named 2024 PT5. However, it is small and dim, so it can’t be seen with the naked eye. You will need special telescopes, as regular binoculars won’t work.
Origin of 2024 PT5
This asteroid comes from the Arjuna asteroid belt, where many rocks float in space. It was first spotted on August 7 by NASA's ATLAS system and is about 33 feet wide.
Speed of the Asteroid
2024 PT5 is moving at about 2,200 mph (3,540 km/h). Its slow speed compared to other space objects allows Earth’s gravity to catch it.
How to View the Mini-Moon
Dr. Jennifer Millard, host of the Awesome Astronomy podcast, says only professional telescopes can capture images of the mini-moon. Regular binoculars won’t be enough.
Previous Mini-Moons
Yes, mini-moons have been observed before, and many may have gone unnoticed. Some asteroids return for visits, like 2022 NX1, which passed by in 1981 and again in 2022.
After November 25
Post November 25, 2024 PT5 will go back into space. If you miss it this time, don’t worry—2024 PT5 is expected to return in 2055.
