By Sanjeev Kumar Patro
Bhubaneswar: Like the invisible hero in the Sekhar Kapoor’s super hit Mr India, the earth is also going to have 'Mr India' moon for 57-day long duration from September 29 – November 25.
Are you wondering about what all that Mr India Moon? Read the following to figure out all about the invisible moon.
As per a research study published in American Astronomical Society, the NASA funded scientists have discovered a tiny asteroid, which they have named 2024 PT5. The scientists have discovered this asteroid on August 7 this year using the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System in South Africa during routine monitoring.
ASTEROID FROM ARJUNA'S HOME
This tiny asteroid (a space rock) has come from the Arjuna asteroid belt. As per NASA classification, they are near-earth asteroids. These objects have orbits that pass close by that of earth. The distance of this asteroid group is 93 million miles. And this asteroid will join the moon in its orbit around the earth next week.
BUS LIKE MOON
Shedding light on the details, astronomers have said that Asteroid 2024 PT5 is about the size of a bus, standing at around 33 feet long. The researchers predict that it will make a horseshoe-like orbit around Earth, instead of a full rotation around the planet.
HANG AROUND EARTH
While the bus-like moon will orbit around the Earth for nearly two months, it’ll stay close to the planet for a few months, making its closest approach in January 2025, after which it’s expected to make a return to the planet’s orbit in 2055, the study added.
WHY NAMED MINI – MOON?
The study’s lead author Prof Carlos de la Fuente Marcos said to Space.com, in order to be considered a mini-moon, a space body must reach Earth at a range about 2.8 million miles and at a steady space of around 2,200 mph. Once 2024 PT5 completes its orbit, it will return to the Arjuna asteroid belt, he added.
WHY’ MR INDIA’ MOON?
The mini-moon, though orbit around the earth for 57 days, will not be visible to ntelescopes or binoculars, let aside naked eyes. And the very reason, as per the researchers, is its small size. As per the lead author, “it is too small and dim for typical amateur telescopes and binoculars to catch a glimpse.”
ASTEROIDS – EARTH FACE OFF
Asteroids orbiting round Earth like moon are a rare celestial event. Usually, when asteroids approach Earth, they either fly by the planet, or they hit it and leave a streak in the sky or a dent in Earth’s crust, reveals Planetary Society’s study on asteroids.
