For nearly two months, Earth will have a second natural satellite, as a 10-meter-wide asteroid is set to orbit the planet alongside the Moon.
Researchers from Complutense University in Madrid identified the asteroid in August 2024 using the ATLAS system, designed to detect potentially hazardous space objects.
According to astronomers, Earth is capable of periodically capturing such asteroids from nearby space and pulling them into orbit, where they temporarily act as natural satellites.
The asteroid 2024 PT5, due to its size and trajectory, will briefly join the Moon in orbit around Earth, lasting from September 29 to November 25.
The asteroid's proximity to Earth and its relatively slow speed—around 3,540 kilometers per hour—enable it to orbit Earth for several cycles before being pushed back into space by gravitational forces from both the Moon and the Sun.
However, such objects are not permanent features, as they eventually drift away into space.
According to astronomers, Earth is capable of periodically capturing such asteroids from nearby space and pulling them into orbit, where they temporarily act as natural satellites.
The asteroid 2024 PT5, due to its size and trajectory, will briefly join the Moon in orbit around Earth, lasting from September 29 to November 25.
The asteroid's proximity to Earth and its relatively slow speed—around 3,540 kilometers per hour—enable it to orbit Earth for several cycles before being pushed back into space by gravitational forces from both the Moon and the Sun.
Historically, Earth has temporarily captured other space objects in similar ways. For example, asteroid 2006 RH120 orbited the planet for nearly a year, while 2020 CD3 remained Earth’s second moon for three years.Earth is getting a new moon!
— Samuel Peralta, PhD (@Semaphore) September 18, 2024
Asteroid 2024 PT5, 10 meters in diameter rock, will be captured by Earth’s gravity in late September 2024.
It'll swing in orbit around the Earth before escaping our gravity after ~53 days.
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Video credit NASA Space News pic.twitter.com/68injiKEaP
However, such objects are not permanent features, as they eventually drift away into space.
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