No, it’s not technically a moon, instead, it’s an asteroid.
Known as the 2024 PT5 Arjuna asteroid, the celestial body will be orbiting around our planet with low eccentricity and within an Earth-line period, according to the Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society (AAS).
The AAS study indicated, “Near-Earth objects that follow horseshoe paths and approach our planet at close range and low relative velocity may undergo mini moon events in which their geocentric energy becomes negative for hours, days or months – but without completing one revolution around earth while bound… An example of an NEO experiencing such a temporarily captured flyby is 2022 NX1 which was a short-lived mini moon in 1981 and 2022.”
Although not the first time, researchers shared that mini moons happen on an average of every 10 to 20 years, making it a rare phenomena.
Because it’s a mini moon, you’ll need a special 30-inch telescope to see it clearly. In addition, it will appear from September 29, 2024 until November 25, 2024.
