On August 7, 2024, NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) detected a space object that, for a little more than a month, will become a mini-moon of Earth. Named 2024 PT5, the rock is only 33 meters long and will form a kind of horseshoe-like orbit around Earth from September 29 to November 5 before leaving Earth’s orbit.

The Earth is getting a second 'mini-moon' later this month, but it'll only last from Sept. 29 to Nov. 25, researchers say.

The asteroid is expected to make a “horseshoe path” around Earth over the next two months. For the next two months, an unusual object about the size of a bus will be orbiting above our heads. Say hello to Earth’s temporary new moon.