Earth has a temporary, tiny companion. While not quite a "mini moon," since it will never be captured by Earth's gravity, Asteroid 2024 PT5 does have a similar orbit as our planet and will linger in our vicinity for a few months.

Asteroid 2025 PT5 is tiny – estimated to be about 33 feet (10 m) wide, compared to the Moon's diameter of 2,159 miles (3,475 km) – so it does not pose a threat to Earth.

The asteroid will return in January 2025 with a close approach 5x the distance from Earth to the Moon, and NASA plans to use its Goldstone radar to get a better look then.

Can this mini moon 🌕 affect satellites?

Good question! Geostationary satellites orbit Earth at a distance of over 22,000 miles. This asteroid won't come closer to Earth than over a million miles, so it will have no effect on our satellites, as it's far too far away.

How difficult would it be to bring an asteroid like this into orbit? This would benefit our knowledge so much! - asteroid mining - formation of the solar system - orbital dynamics - etc.

Very cool. Is there ever a possibility we could capture a second moon? If so, curious what would need to happen.

@AsteroidWatch Stick a permanent relay antenna & some observation instruments on it.

Interesting to know that it will never be captured by Earth's gravity!

Jupiter and Saturn watching earth is unable to capture Ast2024 PT5.

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