Earth to witness rare two moons phenomenon for 57 days
Scientists are buzzing with excitement as Earth is set to experience the rare phenomenon of having two moons in the night sky. The asteroid 2024 PT5, discovered on August 7, will orbit close to Earth from tomorrow, October 1, until late November, creating a temporary second moon for 57 days.
This extraordinary event has been confirmed by international reports and has garnered significant attention. Astronomers in Spain discovered the asteroid 2024 PT5 using the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). With a diameter of approximately 10 metres, the asteroid was first observed on August 7.
Astrophysicists have closely monitored 2024 PT5 and determined that it will orbit Earth in a horseshoe pattern. This means it will not complete a full orbit around Earth due to the planet’s gravitational pull. Instead, it will be a temporary companion to the moon for nearly two months.
This remarkable occurrence is referred to in the field of astronomy as the two moons phenomenon.
The asteroid’s journey will start tomorrow and continue until November 25. Following this period, 2024 PT5 will drift away from Earth’s gravitational influence and exit the solar system. Despite its proximity, the asteroid’s small size and low brightness make it challenging to observe with most telescopes.
NASA has corroborated that 2024 PT5 will remain in Earth’s vicinity for 57 days. However, due to its mere 10-metre width and limited luminosity, viewing the asteroid directly will be difficult for amateur astronomers.
Even though the asteroid 2024 PT5 will be close to Earth, its small size and faint luminosity will make it hard to see.
The discovery of 2024 PT5 sparked considerable interest within the scientific community, as such events are exceedingly rare. The asteroid’s brief stint as Earth’s second moon is expected to provide valuable data and insights for researchers studying near-Earth objects and their behaviours.
In other news, in a sensational twist of culinary trends, the humble sago beetle is poised to go global! Scientifically known as Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliver, these critters, dubbed pin-hole borers or true weevils, are a Southern Thai delicacy also referred to as lan beetles.
