Earth’s ‘Second Moon’ is Leaving

November 28, 2024

Share to Google Classroom

A tiny asteroid nicknamed a “mini moon,” officially known as 2024 PT5, is drifting away from Earth after months of close visits.

This 10-meter-wide rock was first spotted in August 2024 and is believed to be a fragment of the Moon, possibly knocked loose by an ancient asteroid impact.

NASA’s Josh Handal explained that 2024 PT5’s movement closely matches Earth’s, which led scientists to suspect its lunar origin. Unlike our Moon, this mini moon didn’t fully orbit Earth but instead traveled in a horseshoe-shaped path around our planet. Recently, the Sun’s gravity started pulling it farther away.

The asteroid was discovered by NASA’s ATLAS system, a set of telescopes that watch for space rocks near Earth. It was never a threat because it stayed about two million miles away—much too far to see without special telescopes.

Astronomers predict 2024 PT5 will briefly return in January 2025, coming closer at one million miles away, before vanishing until 2055. For now, this little traveler continues its long journey through space.

Article written by Milli Banbury

This article was written using AI as an assistive tool for research and writing.

Learning Options

Recall Questions

Thinking questions

Digital Thinking

Learning Options

Recall Questions

Thinking questions

Digital Thinking

After a three-day camp in the Tararua Range, Ben wrote in his diary that the first day was the hardest because of the long walk uphill and the heavy packs. By the second day, his group worked better together when setting up tents and cooking meals. He said the night walk was memorable because the bush sounded different in the dark. On the final morning, everyone was tired but proud. Ben concluded that the camp was challenging, yet it helped the class become more confident and cooperative.

Which is the best summary of Ben’s diary entry?

Ben thought the night walk was the best part because the bush sounded different in the dark. Ben’s group struggled with heavy packs, enjoyed a night walk, and ate meals together at camp. The camp was difficult at first, but it helped Ben’s class work together and gain confidence. Three days in the Tararua Range left everyone tired, but the tents were set up successfully.