New mini-moon 2024 PT5 to enter Earth's orbit this week
A new mini-moon, named 2024 PT5, will enter Earth's orbit this week. Unlike permanent moons, mini-moons are temporary captures of asteroids or comets. This one was discovered last month and is expected to orbit from September 29 to November 25. 2024 PT5 is about 10 meters wide, much smaller than the regular moon. Its size and dimness mean it won't be visible to the naked eye or through standard telescopes. Only professional astronomers with high-powered telescopes may spot it. After its brief stay, 2024 PT5 will leave Earth's orbit but could return in January 2025 and again in 2055.