It appears like one thing out of a science-fiction film. For the previous couple of weeks, Earth’s orbit has been dwelling to a “mini-moon” the dimensions of a metropolis bus. The celestial object is greater than only a visitor staying over for a fast go to. It is right here to remain, or a minimum of till Thanksgiving week. However it’s not a moon. In actual fact, it is an asteroid named 2024 PT5. It entered Earth’s orbit on Sept. 29 and will probably be taking over residency in our skies till Nov. 25 earlier than returning to the photo voltaic system.
Scientists call such phenomena mini-moons. The asteroid was discovered by a gaggle known as ATLAS, which stands for Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Final Alert System, in August. The researchers who discovered it published a nonpeer-reviewed study concerning the asteroid.
Some previous mini-moons, reminiscent of this one from 2020, have been found to be random items of house junk. The 2020 mini-moon was ultimately recognized as a rocket booster from the 1966 Surveyor 2 Centaur launch. However ATLAS reviews this new mini-moon is more likely to be an actual asteroid, which is solely outlined as a small, rocky object that orbits the solar.
Newbie astronomer Tony Dunn posted a simulation to X of what the asteroid’s path will appear like. 2024 PT5 has already been close to Earth since July.
In the course of the occasion, the asteroid’s geocentric energy will become negative and stay that manner for 56.6 days. In Dunn’s simulation, the orbit is proven because the crimson line, and it solely circles about 25% of the Earth.
The asteroid will not full a full orbit of Earth, so some astronomers check with it as a temporarily captured flyby. Mini-moons that do full a complete orbit of Earth are known as quickly captured orbiters.
Do not count on to see the mini-moon
It is unlikely you may see the mini-moon. NASA says absolutely the magnitude of 2024 PT5 is 27.593. Meaning it is fairly dim and will not be seen even when you’ve got a telescope. For reference, the dimmest magnitude that’s seen to the bare eye at evening is round 6.5 and a 12-inch telescope can see objects with a magnitude of round 16 or 17. Meaning newbie astronomers are going to have to sit down this one out, because you’d want a a lot bigger telescope to see 2024 PT5.
Mini-moons aren’t notably uncommon. They happen virtually yearly. Earth had a mini-moon in 2022 due to the peculiar flight path of the 2022 YG asteroid. Another one arrived in 2020 courtesy of the 2020 CD3 asteroid. A few of them are even bright enough to see with newbie astronomy devices.
Many asteroids come again over and over for repeat visits as properly. The 2022 NX1 asteroid turned a mini-moon in 1981 and 2022. It is scheduled to make its return in 2051. Among the finest examples is 2006 RH120, which orbited Earth for an entire 12 months between July 2006 and July 2007. The phenomenon is so constant that some researchers say that Earth at all times has a mini-moon lurking round someplace.
