Will the second moon of Earth be visible to humans in the next days?

If you are weary of the familiar moon illuminating the night sky, there is no need for concern, as a change is on the horizon. The Earth is set to welcome a quick second moon, which will provide a unique celestial experience.

This upcoming event will occur shortly, as an asteroid is expected to approach Earth closely enough to be captured by its gravitational pull. This occurrence, referred to as a “mini-moon,” is anticipated to occur at the end of this month, according to reports from astronomers.

The asteroid, designated as 2024 PT5, was identified by NASA on August 7 while it was located in the Arjuna asteroid belt. It is projected to enter Earth’s orbit on September 29 and will remain in this position for approximately two months, until November 25. However, it is important to note that this mini-moon will be significantly smaller than the traditional moon, measuring only about 10 meters in length, making it unlikely for observers on Earth to see it.

What is the ‘mini-moon’ phenomenon?

The phenomenon known as the ‘mini-moon’ refers to an asteroid that temporarily becomes a satellite of Earth. In a discussion with ABC News, Astrophysics Professor Adam Frank from the University of Rochester compared this asteroid to a “flying mountain in space.” He elaborated that these celestial bodies typically maintain an orbit that is close to Earth or shares a similar distance from the Sun.

Professor Frank further explained that when such an asteroid is drawn into the Earth’s gravitational field, it becomes a transient member of the Earth-Moon system. This captivating occurrence highlights the dynamic interactions between celestial objects and the gravitational forces at play within our solar system.

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