Earth's Temporary 'Mini Moon' Departs After Two-Month Stay

Asteroid 2024 PT5, believed to be a fragment of the Moon, leaves Earth's vicinity but will make a brief return in January before continuing its solar orbit.

Asteroid 2024 PT5, approximately 33 feet wide, was captured in Earth's gravitational influence on September 29, 2024, and is now departing toward the Sun's orbit.
Scientists believe the asteroid may be a lunar fragment, ejected from the Moon's surface during an ancient impact event, based on its chemical composition and trajectory.
NASA and astronomers have studied the object extensively, with plans to conduct radar observations during its next close approach on January 9, 2025, when it will pass within 1.1 million miles of Earth.
The asteroid's temporary capture highlights the rarity of 'mini-moon' events, where space objects briefly interact with Earth's gravity before returning to solar orbits.
2024 PT5 is expected to return for another close approach in 2055, providing further opportunities for scientific study of its origin and composition.

One America News Network