Tonight, while most of India sleeps, the Earth will welcome a temporary ‘mini moon’ with a celestial twist linked to India’s Mahabharata. Dubbed “2024 PT5”, this newly discovered space rock is about 10 meters in diameter and will orbit Earth for the next 53 days before returning to the far reaches of our solar system.
From September 29 to November 25, “2024 PT5” will make its brief visit, capturing the attention of stargazers and space enthusiasts alike. But don’t expect to spot it with the naked eye—this tiny, dull rock requires specialized equipment for viewing.
Why Can’t We See It?
“2024 PT5” is 350,000 times smaller than our Moon, whose diameter is 3,476 kilometers. Its small size means it won’t be visible without a telescope of at least 30 inches in diameter and advanced detection tools, according to astronomers. Simple binoculars or home telescopes won’t suffice for this cosmic visitor. Special telescopes will detect the mini moon after 1:30 AM, though the dimness makes it a challenge even for seasoned stargazers.
Is Earth in Danger?
No need to worry! Experts at ISRO, India’s space agency, are monitoring the mini moon through their Network for Space Objects Tracking and Analysis (NETRA), ensuring it won’t collide with Earth. Dr. Anil Kumar, head of NETRA, reassures that “2024 PT5” is part of a safe orbit and poses no threat.
The Story Behind ‘Mini Moons’
Objects like “2024 PT5” that temporarily orbit Earth are not entirely rare. Astronomers Carlos de la Fuente Marcos and Raúl de la Fuente Marcos explain that Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) often pass close to our planet, sometimes entering temporary orbits. Known as ‘mini moons,’ these objects stay for a few days or months before continuing their journey through space. Past mini moons were observed in 1997, 2013, and 2018.
The Arjuna Connection
What makes “2024 PT5” even more fascinating is its connection to the Arjuna Asteroid Group, a unique group of near-Earth asteroids with resonant orbits. These asteroids are named after the legendary warrior Arjuna from the epic Mahabharata, known for his bravery, wisdom, and swift arrows—reflecting the swift and unpredictable nature of these celestial objects.
The “Arjuna” group was first identified when astronomer Robert H. McNaught discovered the asteroid “1991 VG” in Australia. Inspired by Arjuna’s character, McNaught named the group after the hero, and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially approved the name.
How to Catch a Glimpse
To see this mini moon, you’ll need professional-grade equipment. According to Marcos, “2024 PT5” can be spotted with telescopes featuring a 30-inch diameter or larger, equipped with CCD or CMOS detectors. Without such tools, catching a glimpse of this fleeting visitor will be nearly impossible.
Looking Ahead
The “2024 PT5” was discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), funded by NASA, on August 7, 2024. Since then, both NASA and ISRO have been tracking its orbit. This mini moon will complete its journey and disappear by November 25, 2024, after its brief yet fascinating visit to our planet’s orbit.
Whether you’re a professional astronomer or simply curious about the wonders of space, “2024 PT5” offers a unique opportunity to marvel at the mysteries of the cosmos—even if it’s from a distance. So, set your alarms and aim your telescopes skyward, because this mini moon won’t be sticking around for long!