Is Earth’s New Minimoon 2024 Visible to the Naked Eye?
On September 29, Earth captured a temporary new companion, an asteroid called 2024 PT5. This near-Earth object, about the size of a bus and 10 meters wide, has already been in Earth’s orbit for 57 days before it is expected to resume its orbit around the sun. While the term “minimoon” sounds exciting, PT5 2024 is far too small to see with the naked eye. Even backyard telescopes won’t help, as it is 300,000 times smaller than Earth’s primary moon.
According to Professor Carlos de la Fuente Marcos of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, the object remains beyond the reach of typical amateur telescopes. However, professional astronomers, with more advanced equipment, will be able to do this study the minimoon and can release images of it during its short stay.
Origin and future of the Minimoon
Astronomers suggest that PT5 will originate in 2024 from the Arjuna asteroid belt, a region of space known for its asteroids that closely follow Earth’s orbit around the sun. The asteroid is expected to make another close approach to Earth in January 2025, with a subsequent flyby in 2055.
Not Earth’s first temporary moon
2024 PT5 is not the first mini moon recorded by Earth. Previous temporary moons include 2006 RH120, which orbited Earth for 18 months between 2006 and 2007, and 2020 CD3, which stuck around for three years before drifting away in 2020. Some scientists even have suggested that these transient moons could serve as potential ‘stepping stones’ for future space missions, providing opportunities to explore asteroids or delve deeper into the solar system.
In conclusion, while Earth’s newest mini-moon is a fascinating phenomenon, it remains hidden from casual viewers and is only visible through the lenses of professional observatories.
