After a Super Moon with a partial eclipse, another rare phenomenon is on the horizon. From September 29, 2024, the Earth will welcome a new "mini-moon": asteroid 2024 PT5 will be temporarily captured by the Earth's gravity. With a diameter of around 10 metres, this celestial object will remain in orbit until November 25, 2024, before returning to its trajectory around the Sun. Invisible to the naked eye, it nevertheless represents a rare scientific event. Astronomers are keeping a close eye on this mini-moon, which is reminiscent of other temporary satellites the Earth has captured in the past.
Asteroid 2024 PT5, discovered in August 2024, will be temporarily captured by Earth's gravity from September 29, 2024. For 56 days, it will orbit our planet before returning to its orbit around the Sun. This phenomenon is rare, but has already been observed in the past. What makes it all the more remarkable is that this asteroid, 10 metres in diameter, will become a kind of "mini-moon".
No, the Earth has captured asteroids in the past, temporarily acting as mini-moons. In 2006 and 2020, two other celestial objects were captured in a similar way before being sent back into space. These events are rare, but not unique. On the other hand, 2024 PT5 is one of the smallest stars to be temporarily captured.
No, 2024 PT5 will be invisible to the naked eye. Its magnitude, i.e. its apparent brightness, is estimated at 22, well above the human eye's perception limit of 6. With a telescope, it will be very difficult to distinguish, as its brightness will be rather low. Only astronomers with professional equipment may be able to observe this asteroid.
2024 PT5 will remain captive to the Earth's gravity from September 29 to November 25, 2024. During this period, however, it will not make a complete orbit around the Earth. After 56 days, the asteroid will return to its orbit around the Sun. It will pass close to the Earth again on January 9, 2025, but will again be invisible.
Asteroid 2024 PT5 belongs to the Arjuna class of asteroids, a group of celestial objects whose orbits are very close to that of the Earth. These asteroids are sometimes temporarily captured by our planet before resuming their journey around the Sun. 2024 PT5 is thought to have come from this asteroid belt, and is not expected to return until 2055 after its passage in 2025.
No, asteroid 2024 PT5 poses no danger to Earth. Its relatively modest size (around 10 metres) and stable trajectory pose no risk of collision. It is simply an astronomical event that allows scientists to study these celestial objects and their interactions with Earth's gravity.
Each temporary capture of an asteroid by the Earth is an opportunity for astronomers to learn more about the composition and behavior of these objects. By studying 2024 PT5, researchers will be able to refine their knowledge of Arjuna asteroids, their orbits and the mechanisms that enable small celestial bodies to be temporarily captured by a planet.
In short, even if we probably won't be able to observe this mini-moon directly, its passage is a great opportunity for astronomers to learn more about the interactions between the Earth and the celestial objects that surround it. 2024 PT5 reminds us that our planet is far from isolated in the universe, and that space still holds many mysteries to be discovered.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 29, 2024 to November 25, 2024
Recommended age
For all
