Earth's Next Guest: The Mini Moon 2024 PT5.
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Earth will soon have a small object orbiting it, like a tiny moon. This object is actually a small asteroid, about the size of a school bus. It will be caught by Earth's gravity and circle our planet for a short time, around two months.
The asteroid, called 2024 PT5, was found by scientists in August using a big telescope in South Africa. These temporary mini moons might be more common than we think, but they are difficult to see.
Richard Binzel, a space expert, explained that we are only now able to spot these small objects because our technology has improved. The discovery of this mini moon was made by two scientists, Carlos and Raúl de la Fuente Marcos.
This mini moon is too faint to see with our eyes or regular telescopes, but powerful telescopes can observe it. Scientists are not sure if this space rock was originally an asteroid or a piece of the moon that broke off.
The mini moon will travel around Earth for almost two months, but it won't make a full circle before leaving on November 25th. It will continue its journey through space and is expected to pass by Earth again in the year 2055.
Questions
What is the small object that will orbit Earth?
It is a small asteroid, about the size of a school bus.
How long will the mini moon stay around Earth?
It will stay for around two months.
When is the mini moon expected to pass by Earth again?
It is expected to pass by Earth again in the year 2055.
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