Earth’s Recent “Mini-Moon” Might Be From Our Actual Moon

A recent temporary asteroid companion may have origins close to home.

Artist concept of an asteroid moving through space. Most asteroids originate from the asteroid belt, but research is finding that a small number of near-Earth asteroids may be from our Moon. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.

Late last year, Earth gained a temporary companion quickly dubbed a “mini-moon.” While not actually in orbit around our planet, and much too small to be seen in the night sky, asteroid 2024 PT5 quickly garnered much attention. Discovered on August 7th, 2024, this small near-Earth asteroid orbited the Sun close to Earth from late September through November.

During another close approach last month, astronomers found that the composition of our temporary mini-moon may originate from Earth’s actual Moon.

2024 PT5 is in a category of objects known as near-Earth asteroids (NEOs). These asteroids can come from a variety of locations. Many have origins from the asteroid belt, Kuiper Belt, and even the Oort Cloud. These asteroids are pulled into a closer orbit due to collisions and the gravitational influence of the Sun and planets. These objects are carefully tracked, as a large one headed in the wrong direction could pose a risk to our planet. Luckily, most NEOs are not a threat, as they are much further out than you might expect. It is incredibly rare for one to even come closer to Earth than our own Moon.