Asteroid 2024 PT5 to Orbit Earth Temporarily

A newly discovered asteroid, named 2024 PT5, will temporarily become a 'mini-moon' of Earth from September 29 to November 25. Originating from the Arjuna asteroid belt, this 10-meter-wide space rock will follow a horseshoe-shaped orbit around Earth before returning to its heliocentric orbit. Spotted on August 7 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, 2024 PT5 does not pose any threat to Earth. Unfortunately, this mini-moon will be too dim to be seen with the naked eye or consumer-grade telescopes. It is expected to make a return in 2055. This phenomenon, while not unprecedented, is rare and offers a unique opportunity for astronomers to study near-Earth objects.