Earth to acquire temporary 'second Moon'
A small asteroid is set to orbit Earth for 53 days before moving further into the solar system.
News Desk | September 14, 2024

Two researchers from Complutense University of Madrid have revealed that a small space rock, named 2024 PT5, will temporarily enter Earth's orbit before moving to another part of the solar system.

The asteroid, measuring about 10 metres in size, will be drawn into Earth's gravitational pull later this month.

Asteroid dynamics specialists Carlos and Raul Márquez outlined how Earth periodically captures asteroids in its orbit.

They calculated the trajectory of 2024 PT5 as it approaches Earth, with the object expected to make one complete orbit over 53 days before leaving in mid-November.

Although this phenomenon has occurred before, with asteroids orbiting Earth for extended periods, this latest discovery has garnered attention due to its timing and proximity.

The asteroid was first identified by the Asteroid Terrestrial Impact Last Alert System last month.

The asteroid will not pose any collision risk, according to earlier research, though it will remain in Earth’s orbit due to its gravitational pull, earning the nickname "second small moon."