
A new celestial visitor, asteroid 2024 PT5, begins its 53-day run today, 29 September, as Earth's mini-moon for a while. Scientists have termed this rare event as a "temporarily captured flyby," which should be only a rare look that astronomers and space enthusiasts can enjoy to get up close views of this small asteroid.
Asteroid 2024 PT5
The Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System found 2024 PT5; estimated 10 meters in width.
It is ideal for temporary capture due to its size, speed, and trajectory. It would orbit Earth once when in temporary orbit before continuing its path through the solar system.
Earth often captures small near-Earth objects (NEOs) into temporary orbits. The NEOs get captured by the events of an asteroid's "horseshoe orbit" around Earth and the Sun.
Most mini-moons do not make a complete orbit before returning to their heliocentric paths.
Origins of Asteroid 2024 PT5
Scientists believe that 2024 PT5 is an asteroid part of the Arjuna asteroid family, which has comparable orbital conditions to that of Earth. The orbit pattern indicated it could be part of a debris fragment from space.
When and how to view Asteroid 2024 PT5
Due to its not being able to be seen naked eye, the asteroid 2024 PT5 can be viewed through a telescope or binoculars. October 15 is the closest time in the year for viewing 2024 PT5 on Earth.
Using online planetarium software or mobile apps like SkySafari or Stellarium, one may observe the course of the asteroid.
Viewing tips for Asteroid 2024 PT5
- By telescope or binoculars
- The best view time for 2024 PT5 is October 15
- Online planetarium software or mobile apps should be availed to track the path of Asteroid 2024 PT5 for the best time of view.
This is a good chance to understand asteroid activity and Earth's gravitational activity. By studying Asteroid 2024 PT5, scientists may get more insights into what composition, size, and trajectory it has.