Asteroid to orbit Earth as 'mini-moon' for nearly 2 months: When you can see it

An Arjuna asteroid, known as "2024 PT5," is set to become a mini-moon for nearly two months, starting September 29 and concluding November 25. Discovered on August 7 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System in South Africa, this small asteroid will orbit Earth before reverting back to its position in the asteroid belt. Mini-moons are defined as celestial objects that temporarily share Earth's orbit, typically coming within about 2. 8 million miles. The duration of these events can vary, with some lasting just weeks or days while others may persist for years.

Previous occurrences of mini-moons were noted in 1981 and 2022, generating excitement among astronomers and the general public alike. This event presents a unique opportunity for skywatchers to observe the asteroid closely, as it will travel at a speed of about 2,200 mph. As the public engages with this phenomenon, it highlights the ongoing interest in space exploration and celestial events. The scientific community is also keen to study the asteroid's characteristics during its time in Earth's orbit.