Earth to Have Second, Tiny Moon Visit this Fall

madrid - A Spanish research team has discovered an asteroid, named 2024 PT5, that will orbit the Earth for nearly two months this fall, from September 29 to November 25.

A Spanish research team closely observed an asteroid they named 2024 PT5. They predict that this celestial body will orbit the Earth for almost two months this fall, from September 29 to November 25.

However, the asteroid 2024 PT5 is not on a complete orbit around Earth. Astronomers have noted that it follows a horseshoe-shaped path, failing to complete a full circle. The 'minimoon' originates from the Arjuna belt, located approximately 150 million kilometers from the Sun.

The scientists detected the asteroid on August 7 using a specialized warning system in Hawaii. The University of Hawaii, supported by NASA, has been tasked with monitoring in case the 'minimoon', with a 10-meter diameter, poses any threat to Earth, although this scenario is highly unlikely.

The asteroid 2024 PT5 is being influenced by Earth's gravity, causing it to orbit the planet. It comes from the Arjuna belt, situated around 150 million kilometers away from the Sun.

According to The New York Times, 2024 PT5 may potentially be a fragment of our 'own' moon. The asteroid might have collided with the moon in the past, resulting in this detached small piece that went on to have its own independent orbit.

By the end of November, the asteroid will return to its original path. By January 2025, calculations suggest that the celestial body will be at least 1.8 million kilometers away from Earth.

Unfortunately, the second moon will not be visible from Earth.