A “mini-moon” identified as Asteroid 2024 PT5 has temporarily joined Earth in orbit. On Sunday, Earth’s gravity captured this little space rock, roughly the size of a bus. However, without a large telescope, you would be unable to see it in the night sky from India or abroad.

In August, scientists in Spain found the asteroid 2024 PT5, which has a diameter of around 10 meters. It is expected to orbit the Earth for about two months before breaking free on November 25. Unlike our main Moon, this small moon will not complete a full orbit around Earth before returning to space.

This space rock belongs to the Arjuna asteroid belt, a collection of asteroids that orbit the Sun similarly to Earth. Mini moons like this are not as rare as you may think; another one was discovered in 2020, but they are small and difficult to detect.

Can you see ‘the second moon’ from India?

No, you won’t be able to see this little moon with your naked eye. Conventional telescopes will be unable to detect it. Because of its size and dull appearance, the 2024 PT5 is only seen with large, professional telescopes.  So, unless you’re working with advanced space equipment, you’ll have to rely on online images from observatories.

Scientists are unsure if this asteroid is merely a chunk of space rock or a part of the Moon that was pushed away long ago. Surprisingly, this little moon is expected to pass by Earth again in 2055, making it a rare but not uncommon visitor.

Though this little moon will only be present for a brief period, it serves as a reminder of how many things are traveling close to Earth. Scientists keep a tight eye on hundreds of space pebbles as they pass by to better grasp our dynamic solar system.