Earth's second 'moon' began drifting away
Tengrinews.kz - The so-called "mini-moon" has completed its two-month semicircular orbit around Earth and has left our planet's vicinity, according to The Guardian.
The asteroid, named 2024 PT5 and about the size of a school bus, is currently 2 million miles (over 3.2 million kilometers) from Earth. It is now headed toward the Sun and will not approach Earth again until 2055.
Astronomers suggest that the object could be a fragment of Earth's actual Moon, possibly dislodged centuries ago by the impact of another celestial body.
The asteroid is expected to make another close approach in January next year, coming within nearly 2 million kilometers of Earth.
Earth temporarily acquired this second "moon" in late September.
Measuring about 10 meters in diameter, 2024 PT5 was first detected on August 7 using the ATLAS system, designed to track asteroids that pose potential threats to Earth.
This temporary satellite falls into the category of "mini-moons"—small celestial bodies briefly captured by Earth's gravitational field. Astronomers have determined that 2024 PT5 poses no danger to Earth. Its trajectory has been thoroughly studied, and the asteroid will continue its journey through space after this brief visit.
In other cosmic news, British astronomers recently recorded one of the universe's most powerful "sonic booms" caused by a massive galaxy colliding with its neighbors. The event occurred in Stephan's Quintet, according to their findings.
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