You’d think this news was the very beginning of a science-fiction synopsis! And yet, it’s very real. A “mini-moon” will orbit our planet for two months from September 29. A rare astronomical phenomenon that we explain to you!
Two moons in the sky: everything you need to know
The mini asteroid with the sweet name of 2024 PT5 will orbit the Earth for two months before setting off again around November 25 to circle the Sun. Drawn into the gravitational field of our blue planet, it will only make one orbit (i.e. one revolution).
Here is the probable trajectory of this celestial object according to this scientist:
Will we be able to see the second Moon?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The asteroid will be far too small to be seen by the naked eye: barely 10 metres wide… What’s more, it will orbit ten times further away than the Moon, at a distance of around 4.2 million kilometers. Even a small telescope won’t be enough, as the asteroid will be too far away (and not bright enough). What a shame!
Two moons in the sky? A rare phenomenon, but not unprecedented
Although rare, this phenomenon has already been observed in the sky in 2006. In fact, a mini-moon orbited our planet for almost a year! In fact, since 2000, the Earth has been visited by four “mini-moons”.
Scientists predict that asteroid 2024 PT5 will pass by again on January 9, 2025, before returning…in 2055.