It sounds like something out of a science-fiction movie.
The celestial object is more than just a guest staying over for a quick visit.
It’s here to stay, or at least until Thanksgiving week.
But it’s not a moon.
In fact, it’s an asteroid named 2024 PT5.
Scientists call such phenomena mini-moons.
The researchers who found itpublished a nonpeer-reviewed studyabout the asteroid.
Some pastmini-moons, such asthis one from 2020, have been discovered to be random pieces of space junk.
The 2020 mini-moon was eventually identified as a rocket booster from the 1966 Surveyor 2 Centaur launch.
Amateur astronomerTony Dunn posted a simulation to Xof what the asteroid’s path will look like.
2024 PT5 has already been near Earth since July.
During the event, the asteroid’sgeocentric energy will become negativeand remain that way for 56.6 days.
Mini-moons that do complete a total orbit of Earth are referred to as temporarily captured orbiters.
Mini-moons aren’t particularly rare.
Some of them areeven bright enough to seewith amateur astronomy instruments.
Many asteroids come back over and over again for repeat visits as well.
The 2022 NX1 asteroid became a mini-moon in1981 and 2022.
It’s scheduled to make its return in 2051.
The phenomenon is so consistent thatsome researchers saythat Earth always has a mini-moon lurking around somewhere.
