Daily Current Affairs : 19-September-2024


Earth will temporarily capture a small asteroid, named 2024 PT5, which will remain in our planet’s orbit for about two months before moving back into space. This rare event is known as a “mini-moon.” A mini-moon occurs when an asteroid is caught by Earth’s gravity and temporarily orbits the planet. Although these occurrences are uncommon, they provide a great opportunity for scientists to study near-Earth objects and their behavior.

What is 2024 PT5?

2024 PT5 was discovered by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), which tracks potential threats from space. This asteroid is approximately 33 feet long and originates from the Arjuna asteroid belt. Although it will not complete a full orbit around Earth, it will follow a unique horseshoe-shaped path, making its capture different from a typical moon orbit.

Mini-Moons and Their Significance
  • Rare Occurrence: Mini-moons are rare events, offering scientists valuable chances to observe the behavior of asteroids up close.
  • Study of Near-Earth Objects: Research on asteroids like 2024 PT5 is important for understanding the nature of objects that pass near Earth.
  • Potential Impact on Future Space Exploration: Studying such objects could help future space exploration missions, particularly those focused on asteroid resource extraction or planetary defense.

Important Points:

Mini-Moon Phenomenon:

  • Earth will temporarily capture asteroid 2024 PT5 for about two months before it moves back into space.
  • This is a rare event known as a “mini-moon,” where an asteroid is caught by Earth’s gravity and orbits the planet briefly.

What is 2024 PT5?

  • Discovered by NASA’s ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System).
  • The asteroid is approximately 33 feet long and originates from the Arjuna asteroid belt.
  • It will not complete a full orbit but will follow a horseshoe-shaped path around Earth.

Significance of Mini-Moons:

  • Rare Events: Mini-moons offer valuable opportunities for scientists to study near-Earth objects.
  • Study of Near-Earth Objects: Helps understand the nature and behavior of objects passing close to Earth.
  • Future Space Exploration: Knowledge gained can aid in future space missions, particularly for asteroid resource extraction and planetary defense.

Why In News

Earth will temporarily capture a small asteroid named 2024 PT5, which will remain in our planet’s orbit for about two months before moving back into space, providing scientists with a rare opportunity to study its characteristics up close.

MCQs about Earth’s Temporary Capture of Asteroid 2024 PT5

  1. What is the phenomenon called when an asteroid temporarily orbits Earth?
    A. Solar Eclipse
    B. Mini-Moon
    C. Asteroid Belt
    D. Meteor Shower
    Correct Answer: B. Mini-Moon
    Explanation: The phenomenon of an asteroid temporarily orbiting Earth is known as a “mini-moon.” This occurs when an asteroid is captured by Earth’s gravity for a short time before moving back into space.
  2. How long will asteroid 2024 PT5 remain in Earth’s orbit?
    A. One year
    B. One week
    C. Two months
    D. Two years
    Correct Answer: C. Two months
    Explanation: Asteroid 2024 PT5 is expected to stay in Earth’s orbit for about two months before it moves back into space.
  3. What is the main reason scientists are excited about the temporary capture of asteroid 2024 PT5?
    A. It will help us learn more about the moon
    B. It offers a rare opportunity to study a near-Earth object
    C. It is a potential threat to Earth
    D. It will improve space tourism
    Correct Answer: B. It offers a rare opportunity to study a near-Earth object
    Explanation: The temporary capture of asteroid 2024 PT5 provides scientists with a rare chance to study a near-Earth object up close, which can help them understand the behavior of asteroids that come close to our planet.
  4. What path will asteroid 2024 PT5 follow around Earth?
    A. Circular Orbit
    B. Horseshoe-shaped Path
    C. Elliptical Orbit
    D. Straight Line
    Correct Answer: B. Horseshoe-shaped Path
    Explanation: Instead of completing a full orbit, asteroid 2024 PT5 will follow a unique horseshoe-shaped path around Earth, making its movement different from a typical moon orbit.

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