Earth Meets Two Moons
The world will witness an unusual astronomical event this weekend and over the next two months. The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that Earth will host a “second moon” on Sunday, September 29.
This interesting event is expected to occur when the asteroid called 2024 PT 5 will remain in orbit as a “Mini Moon” instead of hitting the Earth’s atmosphere. With this visit, the Earth will have two moons for a short time.
THEY HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOR 4 BILLION YEARS
The Moon has been orbiting our planet for about 4 billion years since the beginning of the Solar System. In contrast, asteroid 2024 PT 5 is expected to orbit for only two months. Asteroids that approach the planet sometimes fly away without entering the atmosphere, and sometimes they burn up when they hit Earth.
Additionally, in some cases, these objects may get stuck in the planet's orbit and accompany the Moon for a short time.
10 METERS IN DIAMETER
Discovered using NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial Impact Last Warning System (ATLAS) telescopes, the 2024 PT 5 asteroid was observed on August 7. The asteroid's diameter was announced to be approximately 10 meters, and it attracts attention with its size.
IT WILL BE IN ORBITS FOR 2 MONTHS
Scientists have studied the orbit of this object and determined that it will briefly orbit the Earth between September 29 and November 25. Afterwards, this asteroid will return to orbit the Sun and continue its journey through the Solar System.
In summary, Earth will have two moons in orbit for a total of 56.6 days.
“IT SHOULD TURN AT LEAST ONE FULL ROUND”
However, some scientists argue that 2024 PT 5 is not really a mini-moon. It is stated that mini-moons must make at least one full orbit around the Earth, and 2024 PT 5 will separate before completing a full orbit.
PART OF THE MOON?
It is also suggested that this asteroid could be a piece of the Moon that broke off from the collision; however, this hypothesis has not yet been definitively confirmed.
NEXT COMING IN 2055
2024 PT 2024 is expected to leave Earth's orbit in November 5 and return in January 2025. The asteroid is expected to stay for a shorter time this time, with its next visit in 2055. Due to its small size and low brightness, 2024 PT 5 may be difficult to observe with amateur telescopes.
