We all know very well that the Earth has only one natural satellite — the Moon. It is clearly visible in the night sky and has been the object of close attention of astronomers since time immemorial. The Moon holds many secrets that scientists continue to explore to this day. But did you know that at the end of September 2024, the Earth will have a new satellite? Asteroid 2024 PT5 will approach our planet and stay for two months, turning into a “mini-Moon.” This temporary phenomenon promises to be an exciting and unique event. I wonder if we will be able to see the second satellite of the Earth?
By the end of 2024, the Earth will have two natural satellites
The second satellite of the Earth is asteroid 2024 PT5
Many publications have reported that in the next couple of months the Earth will have a second satellite. First, the details appeared in the scientific journal Research Notes of the AAS, and then the news was picked up by IFL Science and so on.
Asteroid 2024 PT5 will turn into the second satellite of the Earth, approaching us on September 29, 2024.According to scientists' calculations, it will be attracted by the Earth's gravitational forces. Its unusual behavior attracted the attention of Spanish astronomers, who reported that the object will be in the Earth's gravitational field for almost two months – until November 25. Usually, asteroids simply cut into our planet's atmosphere and burn up, but the object 2024 PT5 has a completely different fate.
Trajectory of asteroid 2024 PT5. Image source: nplus1.ru
2024 PT5 was discovered relatively recently, on August 7, using the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). This system monitors possible asteroid collisions with Earth on a daily basis. Scientists have already confirmed that this is an asteroid, and not just a piece of space debris, of which there is indeed a lot near Earth. Asteroid 2024 PT5 has a diameter of only about 10 meters and will orbit our planet for as long as 57 days. Then it will return to its orbit around the Sun.
Researchers suggest that 2024 PT5 belongs to the Arjuna group of asteroids— small space bodies whose orbits are similar to the Earth's. These objects are rarely encountered on the path of our planet, which makes this phenomenon truly unique. Interestingly, the asteroid may return to Earth's orbit as early as January 2025, and then we will talk about its return again in 2055.
Read also: What will happen to Russia if the asteroid Apophis falls to Earth in 2029
How to see the Earth's second satellite
For those who hoped to see the new Earth's satellite next to the Moon in the night sky, there is unpleasant news. As mentioned above, the diameter of the asteroid 2024 PT5is only about 10 meters across, so it would be too small to be seen with the naked eye. It would likely be impossible to see even with amateur telescopes because it is too dim.
Unfortunately, you won't be able to see asteroid 2024 PT5 with your own eyes. Image source: vmuzey.com
But there is no need to despair, because astronomical observatories with powerful equipment will most likely be able to take pictures of this mini-satellite. When they are published, we will definitely share them on our Telegram channel. Subscribe so you don't miss out!
Related article: What can you see in space with an amateur telescope – look at the photos and draw conclusions
Asteroids near Earth
Asteroid 2024 PT5 is not the first or last object that Earth will temporarily hold in its orbit. This has happened before, for example in 1981 and 2022, when the space object 2022 NX1 briefly became our “mini-Moon” before leaving our planet’s vicinity again.
Scientists note that mini-satellites like 2022 NX1 and 2024 PT5 are asteroids that move along trajectories reminiscent of Earth’s orbit, which allows them to become our cosmic “neighbors” for a while.
It is possible that asteroid 2022 NX1 will collide with Earth one day, but due to its small size, it will not harm us. Image source: yourweather.co.uk
Small asteroids like 2024 PT5 do not pose any threat to our planet. They either fly past the Earth or, if they come close, burn up in the atmosphere before reaching the surface. Such space objects are more of an interesting astronomical phenomenon than a cause for concern.
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If you are interested in the topic of dangerous asteroids, be sure to read our material “How often do asteroids fall to Earth and should we be afraid of them?” There you will find all the important information about the real risks.