Forbes

Temporary ‘Mini-Moon’ Will Begin To Orbit Earth Next Week: What To Know

CBS News

Earth will get a second "mini-moon" for 2 months this year

2024 PT5, a 33-ft long asteroid discovered in August, is reportedly set to make a “horseshoe path” around Earth, turning into its second moon from Sept. 29 to Nov. 25.

The Washington Post

Temporarily captured by Earth's gravity, 2024 PT5 reportedly belongs to the Arjuna asteroid belt and won't be visible to most stargazers given its small size.

Space.com

2024 PT5 is reportedly among those asteroids of the Arjuna belt that become more affected by Earth’s gravity than is usual because they move relatively slowly.

Guardian

Such an incoming asteroid is reportedly considered a mini-moon only when it reaches around 2.8M miles of Earth and has around 2.2K miles per hour velocity.

USA Today

Paul Chodas, head of NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies, has said 2024 PT5 is possibly a piece chipped off by an impact on the original moon.

Time

Researchers say that after completing its mini-moon phase, asteroid 2024 PT5 will leave Earth's neighbourhood shortly after Jan. 9, 2025, to return next in 2055.

Earth to Have 57-Day 'Second Mini Moon' From Sept. 29

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Earth to Have 57-Day 'Second Mini Moon' From Sept. 29

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