A ‘Mini Moon,’ officially called 2024 PT5 by astronomers, is in for a rendezvous with Earth. The asteroid, about 10 meters in diameter, or roughly 33 feet, will orbit our planet between September 29 to November 25, as per media reports.
According to Dr. Jennifer Millard from the Awesome Astronomy podcast, “phenomenal images of the mini-moon will be online as it speeds past the stars.”
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About Asteroid 2024 PT5
2024 PT5 originates from the Arjuna asteroid belt which includes various space bodies with orbits similar to that of Earth. It was first spotted on August 7 this year by the NASA Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS).
2024 PT5 is expected to orbit around Earth again in the year 2055, meaning such mini-moons could return to our planet after several years.
2024 PT5 Ignites Excitement
The ‘second moon’s’ arrival in the sky has sparked excitement among astronomers and space enthusiasts. However, it won’t be visible to the naked eye, or through binoculars, or amateur telescopes. Exclusive images of this celestial body can only be obtained using professional-grade telescopes as it traverses the night sky.
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