Earth's Temporary Companion: 2024 PT5, the Mini-Moon

The Earth is about to gain a temporary companion in space, a mini-moon known as 2024 PT5. This near-Earth asteroid, classified as an Arjuna asteroid, is expected to enter Earth's orbit on 29 September 2024 and remain in orbit for just under two months before being released back into the solar system. 2024 PT5, measuring 11 meters in diameter, is roughly the size of two giraffes and is currently located in the constellation Draco, about 1.9 million miles (3 million km) away from Earth.

Key Takeaways:

• 2024 PT5, a mini-moon, is expected to enter Earth's orbit on 29 September 2024 and remain in orbit for approximately two months.
• The asteroid is classified as an Arjuna asteroid and is roughly the size of two giraffes, measuring 11 meters in diameter.
• 2024 PT5 originated from the Main Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter, specifically belonging to the Arjuna asteroid group.
• The asteroid was discovered on 7 August by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in South Africa.
• 2024 PT5 will not be visible to the naked eye or through standard backyard telescopes, but can be seen with powerful 30-inch telescopes.
• The asteroid's orbit will make it come close to Earth again on 9 January 2025.

Statistics:

• 2024 PT5 is approximately 11 meters in diameter.
• The asteroid is 1.9 million miles (3 million km) away from Earth.
• The asteroid will remain in Earth's orbit for approximately two months.
• 2024 PT5's closest approach to Earth on 9 January 2025 is yet to be confirmed.
• The asteroid's orbital period is expected to be synchronized with Earth's own orbital period.

Sources:

• "Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society"
• Space.com, Carlos de la Fuente Marcos