Asteroid 2024 PT5, Earth’s temporary “mini-moon,” is set to leave Earth’s orbit on November 25 after being captured by the planet’s gravity in late September. NASA will study the asteroid during its departure to gather valuable insights.

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• 2024 PT5, a 33-foot asteroid, orbited Earth for nearly two months.
• Captured on September 29, 2024, at 19:54 UTC by Earth’s gravity.
• Departing Earth’s orbit on November 25 at 15:43 UTC due to the sun’s pull.
• Meets criteria for “mini-moon” status: within 2.8M miles, slow speed.
• NASA will use radar to analyze its composition during close approach.
• Likely a lunar boulder ejected by an ancient asteroid impact.
• Expected to return briefly near Earth in January.
• After departure, it will rejoin the Arjuna asteroid family.
• Study of 2024 PT5 may reveal insights about asteroid-lunar interactions.