Asteroid 2024 PT5

Source- This post on Asteroid 2024 PT5 is based on the article “Earth to get a temporary mini-moon named 2024 PT5” published in Indian Express on 19th September 2024.

Why in News?

Asteroid 2024 PT5 recently passed close to Earth without causing any harm, and another asteroid, resembling a mini-moon is approaching.

About 2024 PT5

1. About: 2024 PT5 is an asteroid, measuring 33 feet in length. It will soon be captured by Earth’s gravity. It is not a true mini-moon. It will follow a horseshoe-shaped orbit.

2. The asteroid will be temporarily caught by Earth’s gravitational pull and will remain in orbit for approximately 56 days.

3. Duration: 2024 PT5 will start its journey around Earth on September 29, 2024, and will break free by November 25, 2024, continuing its cosmic trajectory.

4. Scientific Significance: 2024 PT5 offers a unique opportunity to study objects that frequently pass near Earth. Scientists suggested that 2024 PT5 might be a fragment of lunar ejecta, adding further interest to its origin.

5. Discovery and Observation: The asteroid was first detected on August 7, 2024, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System. 2024 PT5 will only be visible through specialized telescopes due to its small size

6. Resource Exploration Potential: Some mini-moons may contain valuable metals, making them attractive for future mining if they are captured by Earth’s gravity.

About mini moon

1. A “mini moon” refers to a small object that temporarily orbits a planet, in this case, Earth.

2. These mini moons are typically small asteroids that get captured by Earth’s gravity and orbit it for a period before either being flung back into space or burning up in the atmosphere.

3. They are significantly smaller than the Earth’s actual moon, often just a few meters in diameter.

4. Mini moons are rare and typically short-lived in Earth’s orbit due to the influence of gravitational forces from the Sun, Earth, and the Moon.

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