Science fiction and astronomy fans are particularly excited these days. And it’s not because of the premiere of a new series on Apple TV+, although the event could well be part of a production as “Foundation”. Our planet will be the protagonist of an extraordinary event, since the Earth will temporarily have a second moon thanks to a small asteroid also discovered at the Complutense University of Madrid.
2024 PT5, the asteroid that will become our second moon
The asteroid known as 2024 PT5 was detected by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) asteroid monitoring system in South Africa. Then, researchers from the Complutense University of Madrid followed its trajectory for 21 days. The study confirms that the gravitational pull of Earth will temporarily capture the asteroidallowing it to become a mini-moon.
This small object comes from the asteroid belt that o. 2024 PT5 has left its initial trajectory due to several gravitational modifications and is already on its way to Earth. In fact, it will pass so close that our planet will capture it due to gravity and its orbit for a few months before returning to solar orbit.
How is it possible that she will return to where she came from if she becomes a second moon?
When an asteroid, like 2024 PT5, is temporarily captured by Earth’s gravity, it doesn’t have to stay in orbit indefinitely. Here’s the process by which it returns to its heliocentric orbit around the Sun:
- Earth’s gravitational pull:As it approaches Earth, our planet’s gravity pulls on the asteroid, allowing it to enter a temporary orbit. This is why it is considered a second moon.
- gravitational forces: Earth’s gravity is not the only influence on the asteroid’s trajectory. The Sun’s gravity also acts on the asteroid. As it approaches Earth, the combination of these gravitational forces influences its motion.
- Departure from Earth orbit: At the end of the capture period, the influence of the Sun’s gravity becomes dominant again.
- Return to its original orbit: After a while, the Sun’s gravitational pull pulls it back into a stable orbit around itself.
In the specific case of 2024 PT5, it is expected to return to its heliocentric orbit after orbiting Earth between September 29 and November 25, 2024.
Can the “mini moon” be seen with the naked eye?
As much as we would love to see this mini moon with our own eyes and take pictures with the iPhone, most of us won’t be able to see it. Because of its small size and therefore low reflective brightness, it cannot be seen without a powerful telescope. At a minimum, a 30-inch diameter device will be required, as well as a CCD or CMOS detector. Professional astronomers or highly equipped amateurs will be able to observe it, but for the majority, We will have to make do with photographs or live broadcasts from YouTube.
This isn’t the first mini-moon to pass close to Earth, but it’s one of the few that manages to complete a full orbit. Asteroid 2024 PT5 will pass close to Earth September 29 to November 25, 2024
Asteroid 2024 PT5 will approach Earth again in 2055where it should become a mini-moon again for a few days in November. In addition, will make another approach in 2084where it is also expected to act as a mini-moon for a few weeks. Therefore, after its adoption in 2025, there will be an interval of about 30 years until its return in 2055.
It’s incredible to think that our planet will have a second moon, even for a short time. But since we won’t be able to see it with the naked eye, We will continue with the consolation of enjoying science fiction series on Apple TV+ or the wallpapers that Apple offers us on the theme of the solar system.
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