Earth to welcome temporary mini moon 2024 PT5 for two months
Earth will soon have a temporary "mini moon," an asteroid named 2024 PT5, measuring about 33 feet (10 meters). It will be captured by Earth's gravity for roughly two months, starting this Sunday. The asteroid was discovered in August by astronomers in Madrid using a telescope in South Africa. Similar mini moons are likely more common, but they are difficult to detect due to their small size. 2024 PT5 will orbit Earth for nearly 57 days but will not complete a full orbit. It is expected to leave Earth's orbit on November 25 and may return in 2055.