Earth’s Temporary Mini Moon to Depart, Returning in 2055

Earth is parting ways with 2024 PT5, a small asteroid that acted as a “mini moon” over the past two months. The asteroid, roughly 33 feet wide, never fully entered Earth’s orbit but followed a horseshoe-shaped path around the planet.

Discovered in August, 2024 PT5 may be a lunar boulder ejected by an ancient impact. It will peel away from Earth’s gravity on Monday, drawn toward the sun’s stronger pull. However, it will return for a closer visit in January 2024, coming within 1.1 million miles.

NASA plans to study the asteroid using the Goldstone radar antenna in California to understand its composition and origins. The asteroid is expected to return again in 2055, possibly making another partial lap around Earth.