Earth’s temporary visitor asteroid 2024 PT5, has officially departed after spending two months orbiting our planet. First detected by NASA in August, the small celestial body, nicknamed a “mini moon,” is now moving away as the Sun’s gravitational pull takes over.
Though it came as close as 3.5 million kilometers to Earth, the asteroid was invisible to the naked eye due to its small size and faint brightness. Scientists, however, are not saying goodbye for long the mini moon is expected to make another close approach in January 2025.
NASA Plans Close Study During Next Visit
During its January return, 2024 PT5 will pass within 1.8 million kilometers of Earth. NASA plans to observe the asteroid using radar systems in California’s Mojave Desert, gathering detailed data about its size, shape, and composition.
Following this flyby, the asteroid will retreat further into the solar system and won’t return near Earth until 2055.
Speculations on Origins
Since its discovery, theories about 2024 PT5’s origins have sparked interest among scientists. Some speculate that it could be a fragment of Earth’s own Moon, possibly dislodged by an ancient impact before finding its way back near the planet.
What Makes a Mini Moon?
Mini moons are asteroids temporarily captured by Earth’s gravity. They can either remain in orbit for years or stay briefly for weeks or months, like 2024 PT5. These short-term captures are rare and often involve smaller asteroids that fail to complete a full revolution around Earth.
Measuring about 33 feet wide, 2024 PT5 is part of the Arjuna asteroid group, known for orbits closely resembling Earth’s.