Introduction

Get ready for a celestial surprise! Earth is about to welcome a temporary "mini moon," a fascinating asteroid that measures approximately 33 feet (10 meters) long, roughly the size of a school bus.

This intriguing space rock, designated 2024 PT5, is set to make its close approach to Earth this Sunday, becoming momentarily trapped in our planet's gravitational pull. However, this spectacular event will last only for about two months!

Discovery of 2024 PT5

First detected in August 2023 by astronomers from Complutense University of Madrid using a sophisticated telescope in Sutherland, South Africa, 2024 PT5 joins a rare club of mini moons that occasionally grace our skies.

Astronomer Richard Binzel from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology suggests that such transient satellites might be more prevalent than we currently understand. In fact, the last mini moon was spotted back in 2020.

Challenges of Detecting Mini Moons

These occurrences might happen frequently, but due to the small size of these rocks, they're incredibly difficult to detect.” Binzel noted. “Recent advancements in survey technology have improved our chances of spotting them.”

The discovery was made by researchers Carlos de la Fuente Marcos and Raúl de la Fuente Marcos and shared in a publication by the American Astronomical Society.

Visibility and Orbit

While 2024 PT5 will not be visible to the naked eye or through typical amateur telescopes, it can be tracked using larger, research-grade telescopes.

Interestingly, it's still a mystery whether this mini moon originated as an asteroid or if it’s a fragment blasted off the Moon itself. No matter its origins, what’s certain is that it will orbit Earth for nearly 57 days but won't quite complete a full orbit.

Conclusion

On November 25, it will bid adieu to our planet and embark on its long journey through space, with expectations of returning in 2055.

Don't miss this rare cosmic spectacle – it's an incredible opportunity to witness the wonders of our universe. Keep your eyes on the skies, and who knows what else may be lurking above!