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The Earth is about to experience a celestial visitor, a temporary companion dubbed a 'mini moon.' This small asteroid, designated 2024 PT5, will briefly be caught by Earth's gravitational pull, orbiting our planet for approximately two months before continuing on its journey. Discovered by astronomers at Spain's Complutense University, this space rock, roughly the size of a bus, has been categorized as a 'mini moon' due to its temporary orbit around Earth.
While the mini moon's presence will be a fleeting one, it presents an opportunity for scientific exploration and understanding. Its relatively close proximity to Earth allows for detailed observation, potentially revealing valuable insights into the composition and characteristics of such celestial bodies. Scientists are particularly interested in studying the mini moon's trajectory, its gravitational interactions with Earth, and its potential for impacting our planet in the future.
The discovery of 2024 PT5 highlights the increasing capability of astronomers to detect and track these smaller celestial objects. As technology advances, we are becoming more adept at spotting these relatively small asteroids, revealing a greater diversity and complexity within our solar system. This mini moon serves as a reminder that the cosmos is teeming with fascinating objects, and the more we explore, the more we uncover the secrets of the universe.
Source: Earth to get temporary 'mini moon' tonight: Will it be visible from India?