In 2024, which newly discovered ‘mini-moon’ was expected to orbit Earth for about two months?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
2024 PT5: Earth's Temporary Mini-Moon
Scientists discovered a small asteroid in August 2024, named 2024 PT5. It became Earth's "mini-moon" for a period of about two months.
It orbited Earth from September 29, 2024, to November 25, 2024, due to Earth's gravitational pull.
This asteroid belongs to the Arjuna asteroid belt, a group of space rocks orbiting the Sun at the same time as Earth.
It was too small (about 10 meters or 33 feet long) to be seen with the naked eye or a standard telescope.
Temporary satellite: Earth could not permanently intercept it. In late November, the Sun's strong gravitational pull caused it to return to its solar path.