A small asteroid named 2024 PT5, often referred to as Earth's "second moon," has departed our planet's orbit and begun its decades-long journey around the sun.
Captured by Earth's gravity in late September, the asteroid stayed close for nearly two months before the sun's gravitational pull drew it away on November 25.
Spotted on August 7 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), this bus-sized space rock briefly became a mini-moon, a term for objects that temporarily orbit Earth. Astronomers believe its origins could trace back to a collision on the moon, ejecting rock into space centuries ago, according to Live Science.
"Its motion closely resembles Earth's, suggesting a lunar origin," said Josh Handal, a program analyst at NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office.
During its stay, 2024 PT5 made one complete orbit around Earth before breaking free. Mini-moons like this one are relatively rare, with only a few recorded in history due to their small size and faint visibility. These objects typically remain in Earth's orbit for weeks or months before continuing their solar journey.
NASA Prepares for Asteroid's Return and Future Exploration Insights
NASA scientists plan to track the asteroid during its next close pass in January, when it will come within 1.1 million miles of Earth — closer than its initial approach. Using the Goldstone Solar System Radar in California, researchers aim to gather more data about its composition and motion.
While this cosmic visitor has now left Earth's orbit, it's expected to return for another brief encounter in 2055. Mini-moons like 2024 PT5 offer scientists valuable opportunities to study near-Earth objects. Researchers believe these small asteroids could serve as future resources for space exploration, containing water and minerals suitable for rocket fuel, said El Adelantado.
Though 2024 PT5's presence was short-lived, its journey highlights the ever-changing dynamics of Earth's cosmic neighborhood.
