Earth’s Mini Moon: From Science Behind Home Planet’s Second Moon to Asteroid 2024 PT5’s Mahabharata Connection, 5 Things You Must Know
The Earth's mini moon will be in the form of an asteroid named 2024 PT5, which will soon enter Earth’s gravitational pull and orbit our planet for a limited period of time. This rare phenomenon has captured the interest of scientists and space enthusiasts alike.
In an exciting astronomical event, Earth is set to acquire a temporary second moon, referred to as a mini moon. The mini moon will be in the form of an asteroid named 2024 PT5, which will soon enter Earth’s gravitational pull and orbit our planet for a limited period of time. This rare phenomenon has captured the interest of scientists and space enthusiasts alike. While Earth has only one natural satellite, the Moon, it occasionally captures smaller asteroids in its gravitational field, creating mini moons for short periods. The mini moon or asteroid 2024 PT5 will orbit the Earth for a period of two months between September 29 and November 25 after which it will head back to its original gravity. In this article, we’ll learn about the five Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Earth’s mini moon or second moon.
What Is Earth’s Mini Moon?
Discovered on August 7 through the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), Asteroid 2024 PT5 measures approximately 10 metres (33 feet) in diametre. Notably, this asteroid will orbit the Earth for 53 days before breaking free and resuming its solar path. This event is described as a "temporarily captured flyby," which occurs when an asteroid enters Earth's gravity but doesn’t complete multiple orbits. In their paper published in Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society, the researchers stated, “2024 PT5 will circle the Earth one time before it escapes back into space.” Earth To Get a Temporary Second Moon: What Is ‘Mini-Moon?’ How Long Will It Orbit the Home Planet? Everything To Know About Asteroid 2024 PT5.
How Long Will the Mini Moon Stay?
Earth’s mini moon or second moon will orbit the Earth for almost two months starting from September 29 and staying until November 25.
Will Mini Moon Be Visible to the Naked Eye?
The mini moon will appear too dim and faint through naked eyes or small telescopes. It has a brightness of magnitude 22, which makes it visible only through advanced observatories.
Has Earth Had Mini Moons Before?
Previously, Earth has experienced mini moons. In 2006, an asteroid circled the Earth for almost a year, while another asteroid was captured by Earth’s gravitational pull and remained in its orbit for several years before leaving in 2020. These occurrences are part of a larger phenomenon, where Earth occasionally captures small asteroids from the Near-Earth Object (NEO) population.
Does This Mini Moon Have a Mahabharata Connection?
Most researchers are intrigued by the potential origins of 2024 PT5. They suggest that it may come from the ‘Arjuna’ asteroid group, known for their orbits around the Sun that closely resemble Earth's.The ‘Arjuna’ asteroid group is a cluster of asteroids within the solar system. The name was given in 1991, when astronomer Robert H. McNaught discovered an asteroid, 1991 VG, at the Siding Spring Observatory in Australia on November 1 of the same year. McNaught chose the name ‘Arjuna’ after being inspired by the heroic figure in the Hindi epic Mahabharata, which was later officially recognised by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
In Hindu mythology, Arjuna is celebrated for his courage, exceptional archery, and wisdom. The name symbolises the asteroid’s swift and rapid movement through the solar system, much like Arjuna’s swift arrows, as well as its unpredictable path.
While Earth’s upcoming mini moon 2024 PT5 won't be visible to the naked eye, its temporary presence in Earth's orbit is a fascinating astronomical event. As it orbits Earth for a brief period, astronomers will keenly observe and study it. Though Earth has experienced mini moons in the past, each new arrival is an exciting reminder of the dynamic nature of our planet’s interaction with the vast universe around us.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 27, 2024 12:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).