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Asteroids

Temporary 'Second Moon' to Appear in Fall Skies

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A rare astronomical event is predicted to take place in the fall when a small asteroid, 2024 PT5, is expected to temporarily enter Earth's orbit. The asteroid, approximately 10 meters in diameter, was discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on August 7. According to a study by Carlos and Raul Marquez from Complutense University of Madrid, 2024 PT5 will be captured by Earth's gravitational pull later this month, completing one full orbit in 53 days before being ejected back into space in mid-November.

Key Takeaways:

  • The asteroid 2024 PT5 is approximately 10 meters in diameter and was discovered on August 7 by the Asteroid Terrestrial Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS).
  • The asteroid will be captured by Earth's gravitational pull later this month and will complete one full orbit around the Earth in 53 days.
  • During its brief stay, the asteroid will be equivalent to a small second moon, although it will not be visible to the naked eye.
  • The asteroid poses no threat of collision with Earth or any other object in space.
  • This is not the first time Earth has temporarily had a second moon, as similar events have occurred in the past when small asteroids got caught in Earth's gravitational pull before eventually escaping into space.
  • Astronomers and skywatchers are eagerly following the asteroid's journey as Earth prepares for this rare occurrence.
  • The asteroid will be visible in the skies during its brief stay, although it will not be visible to the naked eye.

Statistics:

  • The asteroid is approximately 10 meters in diameter.
  • The asteroid was discovered on August 7 by the Asteroid Terrestrial Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS).
  • The asteroid will be captured by Earth's gravitational pull later this month.
  • The asteroid will complete one full orbit around the Earth in 53 days.
  • The asteroid will be ejected back into space in mid-November.
  • The asteroid poses no threat of collision with Earth or any other object in space.

Sources:

  • Carlos and Raul Marquez from Complutense University of Madrid [1]
  • Asteroid Terrestrial Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) [2]

References:

[1] Complutense University of Madrid. (no date). Study on asteroid 2024 PT5.

[2] Asteroid Terrestrial Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). (no date). Asteroid 2024 PT5 Discovery.

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