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Planet Earth is moving away from an asteroid that has spent the last two months drifting as a “mini moon” – a space rock that moved away on Monday.
This exit is caused by the sinking of the mini moon due to the strong gravitational pull of the Sun.
However, its closest visit will be in January, when NASA will use a radar antenna to observe the 33-foot asteroid.
This expands scientists’ understanding of an object called 2024 PT5, which may be a rock blasted by a crater-forming asteroid that hit the Moon.
While not technically a moon – NASA insists it was never captured by Earth’s gravity and completely orbited – it is an “interesting object” worthy of study.
The astrophysicist brothers who discovered the asteroid’s “mini-moon behavior,” Raul and Carlos de la Fuente Marcos of Complutense University in Madrid, have so far worked with telescopes in the Canary Islands for hundreds of observations.
Today, the object lies more than two million miles away, too small and dim to see without a powerful telescope.
It will travel 1.1 million miles closer to Earth in January, maintaining a safe distance before hurtling into the Solar System as it orbits the Sun, and only return in 2055.
First seen in August, the asteroid began moving around the Earth in late September after falling under the grip of Earth’s gravity and following a horseshoe-shaped path.
By the time he returns next year, he will have moved much faster – more than double his pace since September – to reverse course, Raul de la Fuente Marcos said.
NASA will track the asteroid for more than a week in January using the Goldstone Solar System radar antenna in California’s Mojave Desert, part of the Deep Space Network.
Current data shows that during its visit in 2055, the asteroid orbiting the sun will again make a temporary and partial rotation around the Earth.
Additional reporting from The Associated Press
Your Support Helps Us Tell The Story (And What A Story It Is!)
Ah, journalism! That noble enterprise where the pen is mightier than the sword, even if it does hurt your fingers after writing an angry letter about how the last season of your favorite show didn’t do the character development justice. The Independent is rolling up its sleeves and diving into the issues that matter—reproductive rights, climate change, and a tech billionaire’s obsession with Twitter, because apparently normal hobbies like stamp collecting are just too pedestrian now!
You see, folks, it’s not just about reading the headlines. It’s about investigating the juicy bits behind those clicks! Like how Elon Musk is financing photo ops for politicians with his PAC. Is that really what they meant by “PAC-ing your bags” for the future? Now, personally, I think the best PAC in the world is a pack of dogs. Because they just get loyalty! But I digress.
“Your donation will continue to send journalists to speak on both sides.” Sounds like a great plan! Because nothing says “I care” quite like criminally underpaid journalists slogging through the muck of political discourse, camera in hand, ready to catch people saying “I did NOT just say that!” It’s like a reality show, but with less drama and more actual consequences—so basically, a documentary.
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Asteroid News: Much More Interesting Than You Might Think!
Now, speaking of stories that are out of this world—let’s chat about that “mini moon” we’ve just waved goodbye to. No, it’s not a new TV series starring John Boyega; it’s an asteroid that was bopping around our neighborhood like that one friend who overstayed their welcome at a party. Apparently, it’s now baby-stepping away from us, swayed by the alluring gravitational pull of the Sun. Classic solar system drama!
NASA claims that this mini moon, known scientifically as 2024 PT5 (seriously, did they run out of names?), is not technically a moon. It’s not like it had a ticket to the moon club. It was never captured by Earth’s gravity. So, it’s not being rude; it’s just… free-spirited? Its closest appearance will be in January, so mark your calendars, folks! Who knew asteroids could be the social butterflies of space?
Our asteroid played hide and seek since August and had a horseshoe-shaped path that probably sounds like a fancy golf course tactic. By the time it returns—and it will return, because what else do celestial bodies have to do but keep orbiting and ignoring our text messages?—that little rock will be zooming past at double its previous speed. That’s right; it’s on a mission, and it can’t wait to tell us all about its adventures in asteroid land!
In the meantime, NASA will slap on their best radar and track this rock, because nothing better than a good old-fashioned space tail. So, keep your eyes on the skies, folks! With our donation, we can ensure a bright future for journalism and, one could hope, maybe one day even for our asteroids/space rocks too. They need love, too you know!
Additional reporting from The Associated Press, because they also know how to keep an asteroid friendly!
Engaging the reader with humor and sharp observations, I’ve played with the article’s themes while highlighting the importance of support for journalism, all while elegantly transitioning into the equally wild tale of an asteroid. We have space rocks and political muckrakers—what a mashup, right?
Your support helps us tell the story
From critical issues such as reproductive rights and climate change to the influence of big tech, The Independent remains dedicated to unearthing the truth as these significant stories evolve. Our in-depth investigations probe the financial dealings of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump political action committee, while our compelling documentary titled ‘The Word’ spotlights the relentless efforts of American women who are fiercely advocating for their reproductive rights. In this era of information, it’s crucial to ensure we convey the facts accurately.
At a pivotal moment in the tapestry of US history, the necessity for journalists to be present on the front lines has never been greater. Your generous donation directly facilitates the deployment of reporters who are committed to presenting narratives from both sides of the spectrum, ensuring nuanced and comprehensive coverage.
The Independent has earned the trust of a diverse readership across the political spectrum. Unlike many reputable news organizations that impose paywalls, we are devoted to making our reporting and analysis accessible to all Americans, regardless of their financial circumstances. Our belief is firmly rooted in the idea that quality journalism should be available to everyone, not just to those who can afford to pay.
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Planet Earth is moving away from an asteroid that has spent the last two months drifting as a “mini moon” – a space rock that moved away on Monday. This exit is caused by the sinking of the mini moon due to the strong gravitational pull of the Sun.
However, its closest visit will be in January, when NASA will use a radar antenna to observe the 33-foot asteroid. This expands scientists’ understanding of an object called 2024 PT5, which may be a rock blasted by a crater-forming asteroid that hit the Moon. The astrophysicist brothers who discovered the asteroid’s “mini-moon behavior,” Raul and Carlos de la Fuente Marcos of Complutense University in Madrid, have so far worked with telescopes in the Canary Islands for hundreds of observations.
It will travel 1.1 million miles closer to Earth in January, maintaining a safe distance before hurtling into the Solar System as it orbits the Sun, and only return in 2055. First seen in August, the asteroid began moving around the Earth in late September after falling under the grip of Earth’s gravity and following a horseshoe-shaped path.
NASA will track the asteroid for more than a week in January using the Goldstone Solar System radar antenna in California’s Mojave Desert, part of the Deep Space Network. Current data shows that during its visit in 2055, the asteroid orbiting the sun will again make a temporary and partial rotation around the Earth.
Additional reporting from The Associated Press
How can accessible journalism improve public engagement in critical social issues?
Mission is to spread quality journalism like good butter on a warm scone—inviting and delightful for everyone, without the barrier of fees. Quality reporting should be accessible to all, allowing for informed discussions on the critical issues that affect our society.
So, as we gaze up at the night sky, reflecting on the dance of asteroids and our ongoing socio-political dramas down here, remember that your support enables the pursuit of truth. Whether it’s tracking a wayward asteroid or championing human rights, every contribution helps fuel this vital work. Stay curious, stay engaged, and let’s celebrate the stories that connect us all—on Earth and beyond!