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Scientists Predict Earth Will Capture a ‘Second Moon’ This Weekend

NASA scientists have calculated that Earth will capture a “second moon” on Sunday, September 29. This “mini-moon” is the tiny asteroid 2024 PT5, which typically orbits the sun as part of a small asteroid belt that follows Earth.

While Earth’s primary moon has been orbiting our planet for around 4 billion years, this asteroid will be a temporary visitor, leaving before the end of the year.

According to the latest data from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Horizons system, the temporary capture will begin at 21:54 CEST (19:54 UTC) and will end at 17:43 CEST (15:43 UTC) on November 25,” said mini-moon event expert and Universidad Complutense de Madrid professor Carlos de la Fuente Marcos to Space.com on Wednesday, September 25.

The object belongs to the Arjuna asteroid belt, a secondary asteroid belt made up of space rocks that follow orbits very similar to Earth’s, with an average distance to the sun of about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers),” Marcos told Space.com last week. “Objects in the Arjuna asteroid belt are part of the near-Earth object population, including asteroids and comets.

While the idea of Earth gaining a second moon may sound extraordinary, these gravitational capture events are actually quite common.

Related: Earth will get another moon this month — but not for long!

Some objects from the Arjuna asteroid belt can approach Earth at a distance of around 2.8 million miles (4.5 million kilometers) and at a relatively low speed of less than 2,200 miles per hour (3,540 km/h),” Marcos explained. “Asteroid 2024 PT5 won’t complete a full orbit around Earth. You could say that while a true satellite is like a customer shopping inside a store, objects like 2024 PT5 are more like window shoppers.

After its brief stay around Earth, the asteroid 2024 PT5 will resume orbiting the sun as part of the Arjuna family of asteroids.

At 19:54 UTC on Sunday, September 29, the positions of Earth, the sun, and Mercury will align as our planet captures a "second moon."

This isn’t the first time Earth has temporarily captured an asteroid and turned it into a mini-moon. Scientists have documented two previous “short captures”—events that last about a week and are estimated to happen several times per decade. There have also been two rarer “long-capture” events, where asteroids remain in orbit for years, completing one or more full laps around Earth.

Unlike Earth’s permanent moon, which has been around for billions of years, asteroid 2024 PT5 will stick around for just a few weeks. However, that’s not the only major difference between this mini-moon and our actual moon. “The object is too small and dim for typical amateur telescopes and binoculars,” Marcos explained. “However, it falls within the brightness range of telescopes used by professional astronomers. A telescope with a diameter of at least 30 inches, plus a CCD or CMOS detector, is required to observe this object; a 30-inch telescope alone won’t suffice.”

While the moon lights up Earth’s night sky for about half the month, 2024 PT5 won’t be visible to the average skywatcher. However, professional astronomers might capture some images of this temporary mini-moon.

The key difference lies in the sheer size of the two bodies. The moon, with a diameter of 2,159 miles (3,475 km), is vastly larger than asteroid 2024 PT5, which is estimated to be just 37 feet (11 meters) wide. In fact, the moon is a staggering 308,108 times wider than the small, temporary asteroid mini-moon 2024 PT5!

Hurricane Helene: Tracking Its Path and What to Expect

Hurricane Helene, a powerful Atlantic storm, is making headlines as meteorologists closely monitor its path. Helene, which began as a tropical storm, rapidly intensified into a hurricane due to warm ocean waters and favorable atmospheric conditions. While hurricanes like Helene are a part of the Atlantic hurricane season, understanding their path and potential impact is crucial for preparedness and safety.

Current Path of Hurricane Helene

As of the latest updates, Hurricane Helene is tracking northwestward, avoiding major landfall at the moment. However, storms can change direction quickly, making it essential for those in the projected path to stay informed. Coastal areas along the Eastern Seaboard, as well as islands in the Atlantic, may need to prepare for high winds, heavy rains, and possible flooding depending on the storm’s trajectory.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) provides up-to-date tracking maps and forecasts, which can give people in affected areas a clear idea of where Helene is headed. It’s important to note that hurricane paths can shift, and even if a storm doesn’t make direct landfall, the outer bands can still bring dangerous weather conditions like flash floods, storm surges, and damaging winds.

Preparing for the Hurricane

If you’re in a region that might be impacted by Hurricane Helene, now is the time to prepare. Stock up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, batteries, and medical supplies. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency evacuation plan in place, especially if local authorities recommend moving to safer areas.

Keep your home protected by securing windows and doors, and if you live in flood-prone areas, consider sandbags or other flood prevention methods. Stay tuned to local weather updates and heed any warnings from emergency services to ensure the safety of your family and property.

Impact of Hurricane Helene

While it’s still early to predict the full impact of Hurricane Helene, coastal areas should brace for possible disruptions. Airports, shipping routes, and local businesses could face delays or closures due to the severe weather. Even areas not directly hit by the hurricane could experience secondary effects like power outages, road closures, and infrastructure damage.

Scientists are also monitoring Helene for potential interaction with other weather systems, which could either weaken or strengthen the storm. The situation remains fluid, so continued monitoring of updates from the NHC and other reliable sources is essential.

Hurricane Helene is a reminder of the powerful forces of nature and the importance of preparedness. Staying informed and following official guidance can make all the difference when it comes to weathering these storms safely.

Hurricane Helene: What You Need to Know About This Powerful Storm

Hurricane Helene is one of the major storms to develop during the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, drawing attention for its strength and potential impact. As the storm approaches the eastern Atlantic, meteorologists are closely monitoring its trajectory, intensity, and potential effects on coastal areas. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Hurricane Helene, its development, projected path, and how communities can prepare.

Formation and Development of Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene started as a tropical wave off the coast of West Africa, which is a common origin point for many powerful Atlantic hurricanes. As it moved westward across the warm waters of the Atlantic, it quickly gathered strength and became a named tropical storm. Within days, Helene intensified into a Category 2 hurricane, with sustained winds reaching over 100 mph.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has been issuing regular updates, noting that Helene could strengthen further as it continues its journey across the open waters of the Atlantic. While it currently poses the most significant threat to the eastern Atlantic islands, there is potential for the storm to shift, which could affect areas in Western Europe or the Caribbean.

Projected Path of Hurricane Helene

As of now, Hurricane Helene is moving in a northwesterly direction, gradually veering away from the Caribbean. However, meteorologists are warning that there is still uncertainty in its path. Some projections suggest that Helene could bring heavy rains and strong winds to parts of the Azores or Madeira in the coming days.

Residents in these areas, as well as those along the eastern Atlantic, should remain vigilant as the storm progresses. Even if Helene does not make direct landfall, the outer bands could cause dangerous conditions, including strong winds, storm surges, and flooding.

Potential Impact: Wind, Rain, and Flooding

Hurricane Helene is expected to produce intense winds and heavy rainfall, especially if it continues to strengthen. Some of the key risks associated with this hurricane include:

High winds: Sustained winds exceeding 100 mph could cause damage to buildings, down power lines, and uproot trees.
Heavy rainfall: The storm may bring torrential rain to affected areas, leading to flash flooding, particularly in low-lying regions.
Storm surge: As Helene approaches the coast, it may cause a rise in sea levels, leading to dangerous coastal flooding in areas near the shore.

Local authorities in potential impact zones are advising residents to prepare for possible evacuation orders, especially in areas prone to flooding or power outages.

Hurricane Preparedness: What You Should Do

If you are in a region that could be affected by Hurricane Helene, it’s important to take precautions now. Here are some key steps to follow:

Prepare an emergency kit: Make sure you have essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, medications, and important documents.
Follow evacuation orders: If local authorities issue evacuation notices, don’t delay. Plan ahead and know the safest routes to take.
Secure your home: Board up windows, secure outdoor furniture, and trim any trees or branches that could fall on your property.
Stay informed: Keep track of the latest weather updates from reliable sources like the NHC, and stay in touch with local news for any changes in the hurricane’s path or intensity.
Charge devices: Make sure your phone and other devices are fully charged in case of power outages.

Climate Change and the Growing Intensity of Hurricanes

Hurricane Helene is yet another example of the increasing strength and frequency of hurricanes in recent years, a trend many experts attribute to climate change. Warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy for these storms, enabling them to grow larger and more intense in a shorter period of time.

As global temperatures rise, the likelihood of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes also increases, leading to greater risks for coastal communities worldwide. In regions where hurricanes like Helene are common, it’s becoming more important than ever to build resilience through better preparedness, infrastructure improvements, and proactive climate policies.

Hurricane Helene is a powerful storm that serves as a reminder of the importance of hurricane preparedness. While its exact path is still uncertain, communities in its potential range should take precautions to protect themselves and their property. As hurricane season continues, it’s critical to stay informed and ready for any changes in the storm’s behavior.

By following safety guidelines and staying updated on Hurricane Helene, residents can minimize risks and ensure they are prepared for whatever this storm may bring.