A small asteroid, named 2024 PT5, will become a temporary “mini-moon” for Earth this autumn, captured by the planet’s gravitational field from September 29 to November 25, 2024. Despite its brief visit, stargazers won’t be able to see the asteroid with the naked eye or even standard binoculars and telescopes, as it’s a small and dim rock. To observe it, professional astronomical equipment will be necessary.
The asteroid was first detected by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on August 7. Belonging to the Arjuna asteroid group, which has orbits similar to Earth’s, 2024 PT5 is approximately 33 feet wide. Unlike regular moons, it won’t complete a full orbit around Earth. Instead, it will have its trajectory slightly altered by the planet’s gravity before resuming its journey through space.
According to Dr. Jennifer Millard, host of the “Awesome Astronomy” podcast, 2024 PT5 will be visible in images captured by professional telescopes. She explains that Earth’s gravitational pull can occasionally capture slow-moving asteroids like this, traveling at around 2,200 mph (3,540 km/h). These “mini-moons” are rare, but not unprecedented.
Previous encounters with mini-moons have occurred, such as with asteroid 2022 NX1, which orbited Earth in 1981 and again in 2022. Scientists predict 2024 PT5 will return to Earth’s orbit in 2055, so those who miss this brief encounter will have another chance to witness the celestial visitor in the future.
How to Spot The 2024 PT5 Mini Moon
Asteroid 2024 PT5, a small rock measuring 33 feet wide, is set to become a temporary “mini-moon” around Earth from 29 September to 25 November. Detected by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on 7 August, it belongs to the Arjuna asteroid group, known for orbits that closely mimic Earth’s.
Moving at a slow speed of 2,200 mph (3,540 km/h), the asteroid will be briefly captured by Earth’s gravitational field but will not complete a full orbit. Instead, its path will be slightly altered before it continues its journey through space. According to astronomer Dr. Jennifer Millard, host of the “Awesome Astronomy” podcast, 2024 PT5 will only be visible through professional telescopes, with many images likely to appear online showing it as a small dot moving past stars.
This celestial event offers a glimpse of the dynamic and active nature of our solar system, though such mini-moons often go unnoticed. 2024 PT5 is expected to return to Earth’s orbit in 2055, highlighting how much remains to be discovered in space.
