Madrid: Two experts studying the dynamics of asteroids have revealed that a small space rock will enter orbit around Earth this month before moving on to another part of the solar system.
Researchers Carlos Márquez and Raúl Márquez from Complutense University of Madrid reported in their paper how Earth consistently captures asteroids in its orbit and calculated the path of the asteroid 2024 PT5 as it approaches Earth.
Previous research had shown that several asteroids orbit Earth in partial or elliptical paths before moving away.
For example, a small asteroid orbited Earth for about a year in 2006, while another did so for several years before changing its trajectory.
In this new research, the scientists are viewing the small asteroid as part of the Asteroid Terrestrial Impact Last Alert System, which was discovered last month.
Previous studies indicated that the asteroid was not on a collision course with Earth.
However, experts noted that the planet’s gravity might cause it to remain in close proximity for a while.
Due to its orbit around Earth, it is being referred to as a “small moon.”
According to experts, this 10-meter-wide asteroid will come so close to Earth that the planet’s gravity will keep it in orbit.
It will complete one orbit around Earth in 53 days, starting at the end of September and leaving orbit by mid-November.