Mini Moon Asteroid 2024 PT5 Leaves Earth, Will Return Next Year

Mini Moon Asteroid 2024 PT5 Leaves Earth, Will Return Next Year

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Earth has a temporary month from September 29 to November 25 2024. According to the Live Science page, Monday (27/11/2024), Earth's temporary moon is not a natural satellite, but the asteroid 2024 PT5.

Asteroid PT5 was first discovered on August 7, 2024. This 10 meter diameter asteroid will be captured by Earth's gravity, so it will circle Earth even though it will not complete a full orbit.

After November 25 2024, 2024 PT5 will escape the influence of Earth's gravity and return to a heliocentric orbit orbiting the sun. Even though it leaves Earth's orbit, this will not be the last time humans will see PT5 2024.
In a study published in the journal Research Notes of the AAS in September 2024, it is estimated that this asteroid will return to Earth on January 9 2025. NASA will use the upcoming opportunity to study this asteroid using the Goldstone Solar System radar technology in California.

During its next visit, this asteroid is expected to have a speed and distance closer to Earth. Even so, this distance is still safe from potential collisions with Planet Earth.