The Earth is about to receive a new ‘mini-moon’, a small asteroid called 2024 PT5 that will be trapped by our planet’s gravity for about two months. This rare phenomenon occurs when an object from the Arjuna asteroid belt comes close enough to us and becomes temporarily bound to its orbit.
Unlike our usual Moonwhich has been accompanying the Earth for billions of years, 2024 PT5 will zip past our orbit before returning homethe aforementioned asteroid belt that orbits the Sun. However, the temporary capture of this object is a reminder of the unpredictable dynamics of near space.
NASA scientists have calculated that Earth will capture its ‘second moon’ this Sunday, September 29.
The ‘mini-moon’ 2024 PT5 has been a Spanish discovery
Asteroid 2024 PT5 was detected by a team of scientists from the Complutense University of Madridspecialized in the study of these events, which continuously monitor near-Earth objects for unusual behavior. Using advanced astronomical observation technologythe researchers identified the dynamic properties of the asteroidwhich made it possible to predict its temporary capture by Earth’s gravity.
The tools used in this discovery include telescopes equipped with highly sensitive CCD and CMOS detectorswhich allow us to observe celestial objects that are not visible to traditional telescopes. These instruments have been key to closely monitoring the path of 2024 PT5 and predicting its capture by the eartha phenomenon that occurs several times a decade.
How to observe the ‘mini-moon’ 2024 PT5 from Earth
“The object that is going to visit us belongs to the Arjuna asteroid belt, a secondary belt of asteroids formed by space rocks that follow orbits very similar to that of the Earth. at an average distance from the Sun of about 150 million kilometers”, explains to Space.com the main author of the research and professor at the Complutense University of Madrid, Carlos de la Fuente Marcos.
Although the ‘mini-moon’ event is fascinating, unfortunately 2024 PT5 will not be visible to most observers. Due to its small size and low brightness, the asteroid is too faint to be observed with ordinary telescopes or binocularsaccording to De la Fuente.
However, professional astronomers have the equipment necessary to capture this phenomenon. To see it, you need a telescope with a diameter of at least 30 inches, as well as a CCD or CMOS detector. These tools allow astronomers to capture the asteroid’s faint light and follow its brief stay around Earth.
Advanced technology to observe space
Highly sensitive telescopes are essential to observe phenomena such as mini-moons. These devices use CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductors) detectors to capture images of extremely distant or faint space objects.
Unlike conventional telescopes, which rely on direct observation through lenses, these detectors convert light into electronic signals that can be processed by computers to generate detailed images. This technology has revolutionized the way astronomers study deep space, allowing them to discover objects like 2024 PT5.
The future of asteroid 2024 PT5
After its brief stint as a mini-moon, 2024 PT5 will return to its orbit around the Sun, forming part of the Arjuna asteroid belt, which follows trajectories similar to those of Earth. This phenomenon is not unique: Other objects have been temporarily captured by Earth in the pastalthough on very rare occasions they complete a full orbit before being ejected by solar gravity.
As astronomical observing technology continues to improvescientists hope to detect more events like this, increasing our knowledge about the dynamic behavior of asteroids and their interaction with Earth’s orbit.
