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Earth’s Gravity Will Capture a ‘Mini-Moon,’ Which Will Orbit for 57 Days

2024 PT₅ is only the fifth mini-moon of its kind to be detected around Earth.

NASA via Wikimedia Commons
Astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery recorded this rarely seen phenomenon of the full moon partially obscured by the atmosphere of Earth, December 21, 1999. NASA via Wikimedia Commons
JOSEPH CURL
JOSEPH CURL

In a rare astronomical event, Earth is set to capture a temporary moon between September 29 and November 25. The new addition, designated as 2024 PT₅, is an asteroid originating from the Arjuna asteroid group.

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JOSEPH CURL
JOSEPH CURL

Mr. Curl covered the White House for a dozen years as a correspondent for the Washington Times. He also ran the Drudge Report for four years as the morning editor.

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