2024 PT5, Earth’s temporary Mini Moon

A tiny asteroid called 2024 PT5 is soon expected to be pulled by Earth’s gravity and become a mini moon (also referred to as a second moon). However, unlike our permanent neighbour—the Moon, which has accompanied us for the past 4 billion years—this mini moon will stay with us for only about two months, from September 29 to November 25, 2024 (56 days). It was recently discovered by ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) on August 7, 2024. This asteroid poses no threat to Earth, as it is not expected to collide with us.

Origin and Future of 2024 PT5

According to scientists, this asteroid originated from the Arjuna asteroid group. This group contains Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) whose orbits are similar and close to Earth’s orbit. It has fewer asteroids compared to the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The orbital periods of these asteroids are also comparable to Earth’s orbit around the Sun.

This asteroid is about to approach Earth next year as well. In January 2025, it will revisit us, and its closest distance will be around 1.8 million km (1,800,556 km to be precise) from Earth on 9th Jan with a velocity of 1 km/s.

In 2055, it is expected to return once more, but this time it may stay for a longer period compared to now.

Size, location and distance of 2024 PT5 from Earth

The diameter of 2024 PT5 is around 10 meters (33 feet).

2024 PT5 is located at coordinates 17h 11m 38s in right ascension (R.A.) and +64° 23’ 59” in declination (Dec.). Right ascension and declination correspond to the celestial coordinates that are similar to longitude and latitude on Earth. You can refer to sky live website.

Currently, it is at a distance of 3 million km from our Earth (around 10 light seconds).

What are Mini Moons?

A mini moon is an asteroid that gets captured by Earth’s gravity and orbits it for a short period. Mini moon events fall into two categories. One is called a short episode, in which the object doesn’t complete even one full orbit around Earth and can remain for a few days, weeks, or at most a few months. The other is called a long episode, where the asteroid makes multiple rotations around Earth and can stay for over a year.

For something like an asteroid to become a “mini-moon” of Earth, it needs to come very close—within about 2.8 million miles (4.5 million km)—and it has to be moving relatively slowly. If it’s moving too fast, it will just fly past Earth. But if it’s slow enough (about 2,200 mph or 3500 km/h), Earth’s gravity can “capture” it. When this happens, the object temporarily orbits Earth instead of continuing on its way through space. In this state, the object is said to be bound to Earth for a short time before it escapes again.

This is the second time we’re experiencing a temporary mini moon. Previously, in 2022, asteroid 2022 NX1 orbited Earth for 22 days.

Orbital Path of 2024 PT5

2024 PT5 will follow a horseshoe-shaped orbit around Earth before continuing its cosmic journey. It will not complete even one full revolution around Earth.

Importance of 2024 PT5 Asteroid

1. These types of asteroids are rich in minerals and metals.
2. Government institutions and private companies interested in landing spacecraft on these asteroids for mining can gain valuable insights for their future missions. This also aids in planning missions beyond Earth’s orbit.
3. Additionally, studying these asteroids provides immense knowledge to our scientists and astronomers about NEO (Near Earth Objects) and probable asteroid collision. For a fact, NASA tracks more than 28,000 NEOs.

Can we see 2024 PT5 through naked eye?

As the size of the asteroid is very small and its absolute magnitude is 22.5 which is very high, it is not possible to view it with naked eyes. Furthermore, amateur astronomers with their normal telescopes will also not be able to track or view it. The asteroid will be only visible with special telescopes.