Earth to gain temporary second moon from September 29 to November 25
Earth will gain a temporary second moon, a small asteroid named 2024 PT5, from September 29 to November 25. This mini-moon, about 33 feet wide, will orbit Earth before escaping its gravity. 2024 PT5 cannot be seen with the naked eye or standard telescopes but will be visible through professional equipment. It was first detected by NASA's ATLAS system on August 7. This is not the first mini-moon; similar events occurred in 1981 and 2022. Scientists expect 2024 PT5 to return to Earth's orbit in 2055.