Earth to gain a new moon

Share to Google Classroom

Earth will soon have a new temporary moon, scientists say.

On September 29, 2024, an asteroid called 2024 PT5 will be captured by Earth’s gravity and orbit the planet for nearly two months. This asteroid, about 11 meters wide, will stay in orbit until November 25, before returning to its usual path around the Sun.

2024 PT5 is a type of near-Earth asteroid known as an “Arjuna asteroid,” which occasionally comes close to our planet. Though it will be Earth’s temporary “mini-moon,” it won’t be visible to the naked eye because it’s too faint. Only powerful telescopes will be able to spot it.

Scientists often observe such objects as they get pulled into Earth’s orbit, creating these short-lived moons. After departing in November, 2024 PT5 will pass near Earth again on January 9, 2025.

1
In Auckland, New Zealand, helicopters are flying low over the...
1
People all over New Zealand gathered before dawn to celebrate...
1
Las Lindes beach in Malaga, Spain, has a new kind...
1
In Switzerland, a man named Elias Meyer set a new...
1
Olivia Vinson broke the world record for the most pull-ups...

World & National News

1
President Donald Trump announced that the United States has carried...
1
Las Lindes beach in Malaga, Spain, has a new kind...
1
People all over New Zealand gathered before dawn to celebrate...
1
The wreck of the HMS Endeavour, the ship once sailed...
1
Maurice Gee, one of New Zealand’s most famous writers, has...