Earth is about to welcome a temporary celestial companion—a 'mini moon'—in the form of a small asteroid. This space rock, officially designated as 2024 PT5, is approximately the size of a school bus, measuring around 33 feet (10 meters).
On Sunday, the mini moon will make its closest approach to Earth, allowing our planet's gravity to temporarily capture it into orbit. This unique event will last for nearly two months, during which 2024 PT5 will circle the globe before continuing its journey through space on November 25. Interestingly, this asteroid is expected to pass by Earth again in 2055.
The discovery of 2024 PT5 was made in August by astronomers at Complutense University of Madrid, utilizing a powerful telescope situated in Sutherland, South Africa. This finding was a collaborative effort by Carlos de la Fuente Marcos and Raul de la Fuente Marcos and was subsequently published by the American Astronomical Society.
Richard Binzel, an astronomer from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, highlighted that such mini moons might be more common than previously thought. \"This happens with some frequency, but we rarely see them because they're very small and very hard to detect,\" Binzel explained. Advances in survey capabilities have recently made it easier to spot these elusive objects.
Although 2024 PT5 won't be visible to the naked eye or through amateur telescopes, it can be observed with large, research-grade instruments. The asteroid's origin remains uncertain, with experts debating whether it is a standalone asteroid or a fragment ejected from the moon.
As this mini moon graces our skies, it provides a rare opportunity for scientists and space enthusiasts alike to witness a brief but fascinating celestial event.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
