A small space rock that briefly orbited Earth has been confirmed as a fragment of the Moon.
Named 2024 PT5, the object was first detected on August 7 and remained within Earth’s gravitational influence from September 29 to November 25. Measuring approximately 33 feet in diameter, it largely escaped detection by even advanced telescopes.
Initially, scientists theorized that the rock might have originated from the Moon, possibly ejected due to an asteroid collision. Further analysis confirmed this hypothesis, with astronomer Teddy Kareta from the Lowell Observatory in Arizona noting that the object contained silicate materials—commonly found on the lunar surface.
Its composition and movement indicated it was not an ordinary asteroid but rather a lunar fragment that had temporarily entered Earth’s orbit. Kareta suggested that the rock may have broken off from the Moon a few thousand years ago.
The object is expected to leave Earth’s orbit on Monday, drawn away by the Sun’s gravitational pull. However, it will briefly return in January before making a more extended visit in 2055, providing future scientists another opportunity to study it with improved observational technology.
