Greater Noida (Science Desk): Scientists have made a new and exciting claim about some mysterious rocks orbiting in space near Earth. They believe that these rocks may actually be pieces of the Moon, which broke off from the surface of the Moon during a major collision in ancient times and reached space near Earth. A new object called 2024 PT5 was first seen near Earth in August 2024. Its size is about 8 to 12 meters (26 to 39 feet) and it was traveling at a very slow speed relative to Earth — just 2 meters per second. This unusual feature of its was enough to grab the attention of scientists.
This rock was discovered by South African astronomers, and its slow velocity made it a prime candidate for the Mission Accessible Near-Earth Object Survey (MANOS). The goal of this mission is to identify space objects that can be easily reached by spacecraft.
Similarities to the Moon
Scientists Teddy Caretta and Nick Moskovitz of the Lowell Observatory in Arizona studied the chemical composition of 2024 PT5. They analyzed it with the help of the Lowell Discovery Telescope and found that its surface composition and chemical properties match those of moon rocks — such as those brought back from the Apollo and Luna 24 missions. Teddy Caretta described the discovery as a “new evidence found at a crime scene.” He said that while this information may not tell the whole story, it is an important clue for study.
Is it just an exception?
Another object called Kamo’olewa, discovered in 2016, has already been considered associated with the moon. Now the discovery of 2024 PT5 makes scientists think that this may not be a coincidence but a possible “minimoon population” — that is, pieces of the moon that temporarily enter orbit near Earth and then leave. Teddy Caretta said, “If there was just one, it would be an exception. But now that there are two, we are almost certain that there can be more.”
Future hope
2024 PT5 has moved away from Earth for now, but scientists believe that it will come near Earth again in 2055. During this time, more in-depth study can be done, which will make it clear whether these rocky guests orbiting near the Earth are actually pieces of the Moon or not.
