In summary
- 🌑 A second moon, the asteroid 2024 PT5, will be in orbit around the Earth from September 29th to November 5th, 2024.
- 🔭 Detected by the ATLAS system, this asteroid from the Arjuna belt will follow an elliptical trajectory before leaving Earth’s orbit.
- ✨ Mini-moons like 2024 PT5 are rare phenomena, with previous records in 2022 and 1991.
- 🌍 Meanwhile, the asteroid Apophis is closely monitored, with a passage expected in 2029 near Earth.
Soon, the night sky will offer us an unusual spectacle: a temporary second moon orbiting the Earth. This intriguing phenomenon, scheduled for a limited period of two months starting in September 2024, is the result of a captivating discovery made by researchers. Although this event is ephemeral, it promises to capture the public’s imagination and provide fertile ground for scientific research in astronomy.
Discovery of a Temporary Mini-Moon
Astronomers are about to record a remarkable event in the annals of astronomy with the arrival of the asteroid 2024 PT5. Originating from the Arjuna belt, this asteroid will approach Earth on September 29th and remain in orbit until November 5th. This temporary mini-moon will be located at a distance of 149.7 million kilometers, which is five times farther than our permanent moon.
Transformation of the Asteroid into a Mini-Moon
The crucial role of the ATLAS alert system was to detect this asteroid as early as August. Thanks to this early detection, scientists were able to track its elliptical trajectory, which takes the shape of a horseshoe. This path allows 2024 PT5 to temporarily become a mini-moon, before leaving Earth’s orbit to position itself close to the Sun until 2055.
The Rarity of Mini-Moons
The capture of asteroids as mini-moons is an extremely rare phenomenon. Previous observations of this type date back to 2022 and 1991, highlighting the uniqueness of these events. These mini-moons offer invaluable opportunities for scientists to study specific aspects of orbital dynamics and gravitational interactions in our solar system.
Monitoring of Threatening Asteroids
Alongside the study of mini-moons, NASA continues to monitor other potentially dangerous asteroids for Earth. One of them, the asteroid Apophis, is expected to pass just 32,000 kilometers from Earth on April 13th, 2029. This constant monitoring is essential to anticipate and prevent potential celestial collisions.
The appearance of this second moon, although temporary, underscores the importance of continuous space monitoring by programs such as ATLAS and NASA’s vigilance. It also reminds us of the constant dynamics of our solar system and the wonder that the universe can still offer us.
