An unusual celestial event is set to occur as the Earth is reportedly set to get a second moon—a tiny asteroid named 2024 PT5. This tiny asteroid will orbit the planet for roughly two months, from September 29 to November 25, before escaping gravity.
As per American Astronomical Society, the 2024 PT5 will enter orbit on September 29 and is predicted to leave on November 25.
It's not going to complete a full revolution of our planet, it's just going to kind of have its orbit altered, just twisted slightly by our planet and then it'll continue on its merry way,” BBC quoted Astronomer Dr Jennifer Millard as saying.
According to Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society, 2024 PT5 will be Earth's temporary ‘mini-moon’.
2024 PT5 is not visible to the naked eye, binoculars, or standard home telescopes.
It can be detected using professional equipment due to its small size and dull, rocky surface make it suitable for observation by advanced astronomical instruments.
SpaceX launched a reduced two-man crew to the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday, carrying supplies and two empty seats for Starliner astronauts awaiting a return home in February after an unplanned eight-and-a-half-month stay in orbit, CBS News reported.
"A Falcon rocket took off from Florida on Saturday, carrying two astronauts and two empty seats to bring Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams back to Earth. Wilmore and Williams have been stranded in space since June due to issues with the Boeing Starliner," CBS News stated in a post on X.
As per the CBS News, the launch was delayed by two days due to high winds, rain, and clouds associated with Hurricane Helene. Finally, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ignited and lifted off from pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 1.17 pm EDT, following a north-easterly trajectory directly aligned with the ISS's orbital plane.
(With inputs from agencies)
