Jakarta –
The recently discovered small moon or ‘twin’ of the Earth-hauling Moon, Asteroid 2024 PT5, will soon leave the area around our planet and only return in 2055.
Discovered by the ATLAS research project in August 2024, this bus-sized asteroid was pulled by Earth’s gravity from September 29 to November 25, 2024. Astronomers have confirmed that PT5 is of natural origin, not man-made.
NASA said that the presence of two moons does not pose a threat to Earth. The reason is that its size is much smaller than the moon itself, which is 3,474 kilometers wide.
SEVENTEEN
CHECK TO CONTINUE WITH INDEX
“These small moons are very interesting because of their size. These objects are very faint and we can only see them through reflected light,” said Barbara Castanheira Endl, Professor of Physics at Baylor University in Texas, reported by The Sun.
The asteroid from the Arjuna asteroid belt is too small and too small to be seen with the naked eye, but its presence has surprised astronomers. Despite being called a ‘mini-moon’, PT5 did not complete a full orbit around Earth, but followed a so-called ‘time-captured flyby’ path that circled around 25% of the Earth’s surface.
NASA clarified that PT5 is not a true small moon because it is not completely trapped by Earth’s gravity. The closest distance to Earth is about 3.7 million kilometers. PT5 will fly past Earth again in January 2025, giving scientists another chance to study this near-Earth object.
When PT5 left the impact of the Earth on November 25, this marked the last opportunity to observe this asteroid until the next approach in 2055. Currently, the second moon is about 3,760,000 kilometers from Earth, which is artificially close.
These events have provided useful insights into near-Earth objects and helped improve detection techniques. The next meeting with PT5 in 2055 will be another unique opportunity to make scientific observations.
(rns/rns)
2024-11-22 12:10:00
#twin #moons #disappear #Earths #orbit
**How does the discovery of 2024 PT5 challenge the traditional definition of a “moon”?** This question targets the discussion about the “mini-moon” label and its implications for classifying celestial objects.
## World Today News Interview: Earth’s Temporary ‘Twin’ – A Cosmic Curiosity
**Host:** Welcome back to World Today News. Today we’re diving deep into a recent astronomical discovery that has captivated scientists and sparked public curiosity – Asteroid 2024 PT5, affectionately nicknamed Earth’s temporary “twin moon.” Joining me today are Dr. Emily Carter, an astrophysicist specializing in near-Earth objects, and Mr. David Lewis, a science journalist who has been closely following the story. Welcome to you both.
**Dr. Carter & Mr. Lewis:** Thank you for having us.
**(Section 1: Discovery and Nature of PT5)**
**Host:** Dr. Carter, let’s start with the basics. Can you tell us a little bit about how 2024 PT5 was discovered and what initially made it stand out from other asteroids?
**Dr. Carter:** Of course. PT5 was discovered by the ATLAS project, which is constantly scanning the skies for moving objects.
What made PT5 unique was its peculiar trajectory. It appeared to be loosely bound to Earth’s gravity for a short period, almost like a satellite, leading astronomers to initially classify it as a temporary “mini-moon.”
**Host:** Mr. Lewis, can you elaborate on this “mini-moon” label? What criteria define a moon, and why is PT5 considered temporary?
**Mr. Lewis:** The term “mini-moon” is a bit of a simplification. Traditionally, a moon is a celestial body that orbits a planet.
However, PT5 wasn’t truly orbiting Earth. It was caught in a gravitational dance with our planet for a few months, making a close approach before being flung back into space. Think of it like two dancers waltzing briefly before parting ways.
**(Section 2: Implications and Significance)**
**Host:** So, while fascinating, PT5 isn’t a permanent addition to our celestial neighborhood. Dr. Carter, what are some of the scientific implications of this discovery?
**Dr. Carter:** Discovering near-Earth objects like PT5 provides valuable insights into the dynamics of our solar system. It helps us understand the distribution and behavior of asteroids, which can pose potential threats to Earth in the long run.
Studying PT5’s composition and trajectory can shed light on the early formation of our solar system and the origins of asteroids.
**Host:** Mr. Lewis, how has the public reacted to this discovery? Has it sparked any fears or anxieties, given concerns about asteroids?
**Mr. Lewis:** There has been a mix of awe and curiosity.
The term “twin moon” captured the public imagination, but thankfully, NASA has reassured people that PT5 posed no threat.
It’s important to note, though, that PT5’s temporary capture highlights the dynamic nature of our solar system and the ever-present possibility of encountering near-Earth objects.
**(Section 3: Future Observations and the Path Ahead)**
**Host:** PT5 will make another close approach in 2055. What can we expect to learn from its return visit, Dr. Carter
?
**Dr. Carter:** Its return in 2055 will be a golden opportunity for more detailed observations.
We’ll be able to study its composition more thoroughly, analyze its trajectory with greater precision, and further refine our understanding of near-earth object dynamics.
**(Conclusion)**
**Host:** This encounter with PT5 serves as a reminder of the vast and constantly evolving universe beyond our planet. Thank you both for shedding light on this intriguing cosmic event.
**Dr. Carter & Mr. Lewis:** Thank you for having us.
**Host:** And to our viewers, stay tuned for more fascinating discoveries from the world of science.
