Get ready for a new celestial visitor this fall!

Asteroid 2024 PT5 will orbit Earth starting September 29

[{"selector":"#anim-94e329cd-d1ce-4787-8ad8-8c030401e0ab [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-21.161167337697435%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Found on August 7 by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System.

[{"selector":"#anim-66542c33-4ade-4b63-9893-127d467eab2c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-23.894614203295657%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] 2024 PT5 will circle Earth from September 29 to November 25.

[{"selector":"#anim-bd1e024a-034b-4a21-bdc4-d2ad45565535 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-20.33155469802179%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Fill in some text This mini-moon will only orbit Earth for 56 days!

[{"selector":"#anim-dd91a113-f2d8-4cec-8f81-9a1ae923d241 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-19.475255787473273%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] PT5 will travel in a unique horseshoe-shaped path before leaving.

[{"selector":"#anim-54c3d980-1abd-4ff9-9338-10288018141f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-21.874999829338588%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] After its orbit, the mini-moon will head back to the asteroid belt

[{"selector":"#anim-21e29da0-40c7-4376-8858-461a614b84fb [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-22.532894570172772%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] The mini-moon won't be visible to the naked eye

[{"selector":"#anim-3375e803-74b5-44cd-823b-b33d90dffb52 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-27.62947556758133%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Use a 30-inch telescope and CCD or CMOS detector for a closer look!

[{"selector":"#anim-37d213a8-568f-4f17-8b05-59bbd0ce3350 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-21.965725636340736%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Learn how scientists track and study such celestial bodies

[{"selector":"#anim-70231fa9-74af-48c3-9f83-b810f0fbfadf [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-23.03994066480978%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Mark your calendars: September 29 is the mini-moon's arrival!

[{"selector":"#anim-144e06ce-06e3-4fbb-8656-9e092f058c98 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.033589234178626%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Stay tuned for updates on Earth's fascinating new mini-moon adventure!