Earth captures new mini-moon as asteroid enters orbit

Earth has gained a new "mini-moon," an asteroid named 2024 PT5, which has entered our orbit. This object was discovered last month and will remain with Earth until November before drifting away into its own orbit around the Sun. Mini-moons occur when asteroids are captured by Earth's gravity. While 2024 PT5 is too small and dim to be seen with the naked eye, it can be observed with telescopes. It is expected to leave Earth's vicinity in January 2025. Such mini-moons are relatively rare, although Earth has had them before, like 2022 NX1. Other planets, particularly Jupiter, also host mini-moons due to their stronger gravitational pull.