Scientific publications or official NASA announcements

Asteroid 2024 PT5, Earth's Temporary 'Mini Moon', Departs After Two Months Due to Sun's Gravity

Nov 24, 2024, 09:38 PM

Planet Earth is parting company with a temporary 'mini moon,' an asteroid known as 2024 PT5 that has been tagging along since September. The asteroid, possibly a chunk of our actual moon, will peel away on Monday, November 25, overcome by the stronger pull of the sun's gravity. Raul and Carlos de la Fuente Marcos, astrophysicist brothers from Complutense University of Madrid, have identified the asteroid's 'mini moon' behavior and collaborated with telescopes in the Canary Islands for hundreds of observations. NASA plans to use a radar antenna to observe the 33-foot asteroid as it departs Earth's vicinity. The harmless space rock is expected to zip closer again for a quick visit in January.