A small asteroid, designated 2024 PT5, is set to become Earth’s temporary mini-moon on September 29, 2024. Approximately the size of a city bus, this celestial body will be captured by Earth’s gravity and will orbit the planet for about two months before returning to the depths of the solar system.

Discovered in August 2024 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), a group focused on tracking near-Earth objects, 2024 PT5 has been confirmed to be a genuine asteroid, unlike some previous mini-moons that turned out to be space debris.

The asteroid will pass close to Earth, giving astronomers a chance to study its composition and properties. While it’s unlikely to be visible to the naked eye, telescopes may be able to capture images of this intriguing visitor.

Mini-moons are not a rare phenomenon. Earth has hosted several temporary mini-moons over the years, and evidence suggests that such companions have existed in the past. These small asteroids are typically captured by Earth’s gravity for a short time before being released back into space.

The arrival of 2024 PT5 presents a unique opportunity for astronomers to observe a close-up celestial object, providing valuable insights into the formation and evolution of the solar system.