This fall, the Earth will have a temporary cosmic companion. Astronomers have discovered that a “mini moon' will orbit our planet until Thanksgiving.
While the term "mini moon" might suggest a small new moon, it’s actually a temporary asteroid, designated "2024 PT5," that will orbit Earth from Sept. 29 to Nov. 25. The asteroid, roughly the size of a bus, is making its way through space on a short visit to our orbit, according to a study by RNAAS.
To catch a glimpse of the mini moon, a telescope will be necessary. The asteroid is only about 30 feet across and is very dim, making it visible only during certain times of the day.The asteroid won’t make a full revolution around Earth but will trace a horseshoe-shaped orbit. Earth's gravity will temporarily pull it in before it exits our orbit on Nov. 25, just in time for Thanksgiving.The mini moon’s episode will officially end on Jan.
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