Recently, you may have heard Earth has acquired a new mini-moon that has joined our Moon’s orbit! However, this deemed “mini-moon” is actually an asteroid named 2024 PT5 by NASA. This mini-moon’s size is only twenty-three feet—around the size of an average school bus.

New moons occur every ten to twenty years and are sparse. Even though this mini-moon is orbiting close to the moon, they do not have the same orbit. In 2024, PT5 will be repeatedly drawn back by gravity and return to its previous orbit around the sun in a cycle until it leaves.

These types of asteroids come from the Arjuna asteroid belt and fall into the gravitational pull of the Earth and Moon’s orbits. For two months, from September 29th to November 25th, until 2024 PT5 leaves our orbit, you can see this rare astronomical event with a professional telescope!

If you are disappointed you cannot see this mini-moon, the next mini-moon to visit our solar system in 2029 will surprise you! This asteroid, named Apophis, will be visible to the naked eye and will measure 1,100 feet wide. Comparing it to the harmless 2024 PT5 because of its size, Apophis’ size can help astronomers learn to deflect asteroids in the future. Don’t worry though, researchers have confirmed Apophis is completely harmless!

Sources used in the creation of this article:

Mello-Kien Cody, What is the “mini moon” that is now orbiting Earth? Astrophysicist explains small cosmic guest — and the bigger one that’s on the horizon. Northeastern Global News, October 4, 2024 p.

Molloy Maddie, Earth to briefly gain second ‘moon’, scientists say. BCC, 25 September 2024, p.

Johnson Arianna, Temporary ‘Mini-Moon’ Will Begin To Orbit Earth Next Week: What To Know. Sep 19, 2024, p.

Lea Robert, Earth will get another moon this month  — but not for long!  September 17, 2024, p.