Have you heard that from September 29th to approximately November 25th, there will be two moons in earth’s orbit?
This image is not true of the event, but one I created using Canva.
According to Space.com this month, Earth will grab itself a second moon in the form of the tiny asteroid 2024 PT5. It is considered a temporary mini-moon. The asteroid originates from the Arjuna asteroid belt, which contains rocks with orbits similar to Earth’s. It was first detected on August 7 by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) and measures around 33 feet wide.
What does this mean exactly? They say the ocean tides may possibly be affected, but apparently, this is not anything new as these events have occurred for thousands of years. But in this day and age of technology and world-wide access, folks are making it a big deal. Again, Space.com had this to say: “Short mini-moon events like this forthcoming one, in which the small body (in this case an asteroid) acquires negative geocentric energy for weeks or a few months, are relatively frequent, with several events happening per decade. Long capture episodes, on the other hand, are rare, with Earth experiencing one around every ten or twenty years.”
In the metaphysical world, the appearance of two moons can be symbolic of the light and dark side of our personalities. This can be a metaphor for the choices you have to make in your life. Interesting that these two moons occur during our presidential election in the United States.
I had to know if it will be visible to the naked eye and here’s what I found at ndtv.com. The mini-moon won’t be visible to the naked eye due to its small size and lack of brightness. Even binoculars or home telescopes won’t reveal it- professional equipment is needed to catch a glimpse.
My grandson got a job working in the Observatory at Calvin College in Michigan and I am curious as to what he will see through that telescope. Hopefully, he will get some photos to share.
Still, the event seems significant enough to share. Have you heard about it? What are your thoughts? Let’s chat!
Hi Jan, I hadn’t heard about this. Thanks for the information.
Very interesting, Jan. I am always amazed by the wonders of space. I hope your grandson gets some pics. Of course this event will probably spark some sci-fi books about the hidden moon with traveling aliens!👽
I did hear about it, Jan 🙂 Pretty cool and an interesting time in history for it. I hope we get to see some shoys of it through your grandson. Xo
I am hoping so, too. Thanks for stopping my.
Yes I’ve heard of the rare two moons. It’s going to shake up everything! 🙂 x
It is a fun event. Congratulations on your grandson getting a job at the Observatory at Calvin College in Michigan.
My astronomy knowledge is pretty much limited to knowing some of the more common constellations, but I enjoyed learning about mini moons.
This is interesting. I’ve never heard of a mini moon before. Have you heard about the comet? Supposed to be visible before sunrise, but mid-October will be in the western sky. Hope to see it!
That is interesting. I’m aware of Blue Moons, but this is something else. Thanks for the info.
Yes, this is something totally different, Jacqui. It’s an asteroid that got sucked into Earth’s gravitational pull temporarily. I’m hoping my grandson is able to get some photos of it that I can share. Thank you for visiting and commenting!
Hi Jan,
I haven’t heard of Two Moons! I read an article this morning where the author said we can look forward to a comet, a solar eclipse, an aurora and a new month in October. We’ll have to add two moons to the list! In Indianapolis where I’m from, Butler University has an observatory. They’re always open to the public for these types of events. I live in Mexico now at 8,200 ft. elevation so maybe I can see something! Thanks, Jan.
Jan, I did read this in my Earth and Sky news! Absolutely amazing, right?! 🙂 How exciting for your grandson! Can he share any images with you? Thanks for sharing.
I am hoping he can share some images with me, Mary. I talked to him last night and it has to get in the right position for him to see it, but he’s focused. Thank you for stopping by!
Hi Jan, I follow Nasa on FB and I’m betting there will be links from there to share as well.
Hi, where do you get earth and sky knews?
Wow! Fantastic information, Jan!
Thanks, Tim. I’m glad you found it interesting.
Yes, I’ve heard of this event. The hubster is an amateur astronomer, so I get wind of these things. You’ll need a 20″ diameter telescope to see it, so a college observatory is the perfect facility. I wish lots of clear skies for your grandson!
Thank you for joining in, Priscilla. How fun to have an amateur astronomer in the house. I’m sure your husband has a telescope. Yes, I’m hoping my grandson will be able to get a good view of the asteroid.
Jan, I had read about this and rather mind-boggling! The tide issue was one I worried about but obviously not a big deal. Sad that we can’t see it but please,share any of your son’s photos. What an exciting job for him and amazing he will have an opportunity to witness this relatively unusual event. Wishing you a lovely start to the week! Hugs, xx
** Sorry, meant to say grandson!
So lovely to see you here, Annika. I am slowly but surely getting some of my subscribers back that I lost in the move. I think the size of this little asteroid is a big part of the whole event and perhaps not big enough to be disruptive. Thank you so much for stopping by and if my grandson gets any photos, I’ll share them. Have a great week!