Earth has had temporary moons before, including the recent 2022 NX1. (Representative Image: Canva)

Earth is set to welcome a rare mini-moon, a unique celestial event that highlights the influence of our planet's gravity. This temporary moon will take the form of asteroid 2024 PT5, which was discovered on August 7, 2024. Measuring around 33 feet in diameter, this asteroid will be captured by Earth's gravity from September 29 to November 25, 2024. During this time, it will orbit Earth, but not complete a full revolution. By November 25, the asteroid will break free and return to its solar orbit.

In a paper published by the American Astronomical Society, researchers explained how near-Earth objects (NEOs) like 2024 PT5 sometimes become mini-moons. These NEOs follow paths similar to Earth's and may temporarily fall under Earth's gravitational influence. However, they rarely stay long enough to complete a full orbit. Asteroid 2024 PT5's close approach and low velocity make it a prime candidate for this phenomenon.

Although this mini-moon won't be visible to the naked eye, due to its faint magnitude of 22, advanced observatories will be able to track its movements. This temporary capture provides valuable insights into the dynamics of near-Earth objects, helping scientists refine models of gravitational interactions.

Unveiling the Opportunities and Insights of Near-Earth Objects

While asteroid 2024 PT5 will only stay for a short time, its presence highlights the ever-evolving relationship between Earth and the small celestial bodies that pass nearby. The study of such events adds to our understanding of how gravity shapes the universe.