Apparently, the Earth will soon have 2 moons. It will not last for long though. According to a recent study published in the journal Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society (AAS), this “moon” is a celestial body known as 2024 PT5, which is believed to be an Arjuna asteroid.
Arjuna asteroids, as described in a study from the Royal Astronomical Society’s September 2013 issue by the same researchers, are “minor bodies moving in orbits with low eccentricity, low inclination, and Earth-like period.”
Is this the first mini-moon event?
Actually, this isn’t the first time a Near-Earth object has come close to our planet. In fact, “mini moon” events are relatively common. Researchers explain that:
- Near-Earth objects following horseshoe paths approach our planet at close range and low relative velocity.
- These objects may undergo mini-moon events where their geocentric energy becomes negative for hours, days, or months.
- During these events, they do not complete one revolution around Earth while bound.
The study published this month in the AAS journal elaborates that these mini-moon phenomena occur when Near-Earth objects temporarily become gravitationally bound to Earth. However, these events are fleeting and typically do not result in a complete orbit around the planet.
So, keep an eye on the skies! The arrival of 2024 PT5 promises to be an intriguing glimpse into the dynamic interactions between Earth and the cosmos.
Have you ever wondered about the fascinating phenomena of temporarily captured flybys? Let’s delve into this intriguing subject with a real-life example.
The Case of 2022 NX1: A Short-Lived Mini Moon
One prime example of a Near-Earth Object (NEO) experiencing a temporarily captured flyby is 2022 NX1. This intriguing mini moon made brief appearances in Earth’s orbit in both 1981 and 2022.
Understanding the Concept: Window Shoppers in Space
To simplify the concept, Professor Carlos de la Fuente Marcos from Universidad Complutense de Madrid explained it beautifully to Space.com. He likened a true object orbiting Earth to a customer buying goods in a store, while objects like 2024 PT5 are more like window shoppers.
Frequency of Mini Moon Events
According to Space.com, while short mini moon events are relatively frequent, long capture episodes are quite rare. These extended episodes occur roughly once every ten to twenty years.
The Role of Gravitational Disturbances
The ejection of objects like 2024 PT5 is primarily caused by gravitational disturbances from the sun. Once 2024 PT5 completes its semi-orbit around Earth, it will revert to its usual sun-centered orbit.
Visibility Challenges for Stargazers
Unluckily, for amateur stargazers hoping to catch a glimpse of this mini moon, Professor Marcos has some bad news. These objects are too small to be seen with the naked eye or even typical binoculars.
In summary, the phenomenon of temporarily captured flybys offers a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic interactions between NEOs and Earth’s gravitational field. However, spotting these mini moons requires more than just a pair of binoculars; it demands a deeper understanding of our cosmic neighborhood.
