Earth will soon have a brief celestial companion as asteroid 2024 PT5 becomes a temporary mini moon. Starting on September 29, 2024, the asteroid will orbit the planet for about two months, departing on November 25. This rare event occurs when Earth’s gravity captures an asteroid, creating a temporary orbit.
Asteroid Discovery
NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) discovered 2024 PT5 on August 7, 2024. Measuring just 10 meters (33 feet) in diameter, this asteroid is small compared to others but significant enough to be captured by Earth’s gravitational pull for a short time.
Orbital Details
During its 53 days around Earth, 2024 PT5 won’t complete a full orbit. Instead, it will form a horseshoe loop before breaking free. According to researchers Carlos de la Fuente Marcos and Raul de la Fuente Marcos, this behavior is common for asteroids briefly caught in Earth’s orbit. Some asteroids perform full revolutions, while others, like 2024 PT5, leave before completing an orbit.
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Previous Similar Events
This isn’t the first time Earth has captured an asteroid. In 2006, an asteroid orbited the planet for a full year. The path of 2024 PT5 is more similar to asteroid 2022 NX1, which had brief flybys in 1981 and 2022, and is expected to return in 2051.
Natural Origin of the Asteroid
Unlike space debris, 2024 PT5 is a natural object. Its orbit closely mirrors asteroids from the Arjuna belt, confirming its origins as part of the solar system.
