Earth is set to gain a new mini-moon, identified as 2024 PT5, from September 29 until November 25.

Approximately 10 meters across, this small asteroid was discovered as part of the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System and was discovered on August 7.

Researchers Carlos de la Fuente Marcos and Raúl de la Fuente Marcos from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid calculated that its size, speed, and trajectory will enable it to be captured by Earth’s gravitational field for 53 days.

During this time, 2024 PT5 will orbit Earth once before continuing its journey through the solar system.

A report in the Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society highlighted that astronomers determined the mini-moon 2024 PT5 was about 10 meters (33 feet) in diameter. It was set to be temporarily captured in Earth’s orbit from September 29 to November 25. During this two-month window, 2024 PT5 was expected to make a loop around Earth but not complete a full orbit; instead, it would escape Earth’s gravitational pull and return to its path around the Sun, continuing its journey through the Solar System.

This phenomenon is termed a “temporarily captured flyby,” where asteroids enter Earth’s gravitational pull but do not complete multiple orbits, unlike other mini-moons that have remained bound to Earth for longer durations.