Earth is set to experience a temporary second moon this autumn season around the world. The mini-moon will occur from September 29 to November 25, 2024 and it will be visible using advanced equipment in Singapore. Interestingly, this mini-moon is actually an asteroid known as 2024 PT5. The asteroid will appear like a mini-moon because it will be captured by Earth’s gravitational forces, and orbit the planet for around two months, before returning to its original location in the Arjuna asteroid belt. Here’s what we know:
Earth’s second moon 2024
The asteroid that resembles a mini-moon, is around 10 metres in length, making it significantly smaller than Earth’s natural moon. 2024 PT5 originates from the Arjuna asteroid belt actually consists of celestial bodies with orbits similar to Earth’s. Interestingly, the asteroid will follow a ”horseshoe path” around Earth but it will not complete a full orbit.
In fact, this event is classified as a ”temporary captured flybye”. Meanwhile, the event represents how Earth’s gravity can occasionally draw in nearby asteroids, creating brief periods where these objects act as mini-moons.
Unfortunately, the mini-moon will not be visible to the naked eye due to its small size. However, the mini-moon can be observed using professional telescopes, binoculars, or advanced stargazing equipment.
Scientists predict that this mini-moon will return to Earth’s orbit again in 2055- which is a longgggg way away. Notably, similar events when Earth had a second moon have occurred in the past in both 1981 and 2022.
SEE MORE: There Will Be Four Supermoons Happening In Singapore This Year