Earth's Mini Moon Departs, Revealing Surprising Origins
TL;DR
The near-Earth asteroid 2024 PT5, which temporarily became Earth's mini-moon, has left its orbit around our planet after being captured on September 29, 2024. Measuring about 11 meters in diameter, this Arjuna asteroid was observed by astronomers who determined it could be a natural object or a moon fragment. Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, 2024 PT5 will next approach Earth on January 9, 2025, but won't be captured again.
- Earth Loses Its ‘Mini Moon’ As Surprising Origin Revealed—What To Know Forbes
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- Scientists trace origin of Earth's mysterious 'minimoon' days before it escapes into space for 30 years Livescience.com
- Earth set to say goodbye to its ‘mini moon’ that could be a chunk of the real moon The Independent
- Earth's Cosmic Companion Bids Farewell, Returns in January Newser
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