Earth is expected to gain a new temporary moon by the end of September, as a small asteroid named 2024 PT5 becomes temporarily captured by our planet’s gravity.

Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on August 7, this mini-moon, measuring about 33 feet (10 meters) wide, will orbit Earth once between September 29 and November 25 before escaping its gravitational pull.

Although similar phenomena have occurred in the past, such as with the asteroid 2022 NX1, the new mini-moon may provide valuable insights into asteroid mining, as these celestial objects could contain useful minerals and water for rocket fuel, Live Science has reported.

Researchers estimate that 2024 PT5 originated from the Arjuna asteroid belt and will return to orbit Earth in January 2025 and again in 2055.

Written by B.C. Begley