Because of a rare occurrence where a small asteroid or space object is drawn into Earth’s gravitational field, Earth is set to receive a temporary second moon. Astronomers predict that 2024 PT5, often known as a “mini-moon” but believed to be an asteroid, will circle the Earth from September 29 to November 25. Eventually, it will separate from the planet’s gravitational orbit. These mini-moons are far smaller than our permanent moon, usually only a few meters in diameter, and their orbits are frequently irregular due to the combined effects of Earth’s and the Sun’s gravitational pull.

The most well-known instance of a transient second moon was the minor asteroid 2020 CD3, which circled the Earth from 2018 to 2020. Because these mini-moons are transient and modest in size, they are typically hard to see. Once apprehended, they orbit the planet for several months to several years, following which they either re-enter their solar orbit or become trapped in the atmosphere, perhaps igniting as meteors. Despite being fascinating, the small size of the associated objects means that the planet is not in danger from this event.

The temporary second moon provides a unique opportunity for scientists to study near-Earth objects and how they interact with our planet’s gravity. Observing these mini-moons can help researchers better understand the dynamics of space debris and small asteroid behavior. While Earth’s primary moon remains its dominant celestial companion, these brief encounters add a fascinating layer to our understanding of Earth’s interactions with space.