Earth to get new 'mini moon' tonight: What does it mean?

2024 PT5 will orbit at a safe distance of 2.6 million miles from Earth. (Image: Canva)

Earth is about to acquire a rare, temporary companion. A small asteroid, named 2024 PT5, will orbit our planet for two months, starting on September 29. This fleeting "mini-moon" will be present until November 25 before it resumes its journey through space.

NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) discovered 2024 PT5 on 7 August. It is approximately 37 feet wide, but more data is needed to confirm its exact dimensions. Astronomers are intrigued by this asteroid's brief capture and will closely observe its unique orbit.

2024 PT5 will orbit at a safe distance of 2.6 million miles from Earth. This distance is about ten times farther than the Moon. Thankfully, there is no risk of collision during its time as a mini-moon or in the future.

While many mini-moons visit Earth every decade, their stays are usually short. Some asteroids can remain for years, but 2024 PT5 will only last a few weeks. This space rock belongs to the Arjuna asteroid group, which shares a similar orbit to Earth around the Sun.

Interestingly, astronomers predict that 2024 PT5 will return as a mini-moon in 2055 and again in 2084. Its upcoming flyby in January 2025 will offer more chances for scientific study.

Although amateur astronomers may not spot this dim object, professional telescopes will track its size and path. These observations will provide valuable insights into Earth’s temporary celestial visitors.