**
Astronomers have uncovered new clues about the origin of asteroid 2024 PT5, a small body orbiting Earth that poses no threat but whose past is mysterious. Measuring about 33 feet wide, the asteroid was first spotted by NASA’s Sutherland telescope in August 2024. Its unique path suggests it may have originated near the Moon after a large impact.
The study hints that 2024 PT5 might have broken off from lunar rock due to silicate minerals found on its surface. This contrasts with typical asteroids, which are usually made of rocky materials. The asteroid’s composition and orbit closely match those of objects ejected from the Moon following a massive impact, marking it as one of the few natural Earth-orbiting bodies.
Further evidence came from observations using the Lowell Discovery Telescope and NASA’s Infrared Telescope Facility at Mauna Kea Observatory. These findings suggest that 2024 PT5 doesn’t behave like typical space debris but rather behaves like a natural object from the Moon, not artificial debris left by human activities.
The discovery doubles the number of asteroids believed to originate from the Moon, opening new avenues for studying both near-Earth objects and lunar geology. If linked to specific impact craters on the Moon, studying 2024 PT5 could provide insights into how the Moon was shaped over billions of years.
“This is a story about the Moon as told by asteroid scientists,” said astronomer Teddy Kareta. “It’s a rare opportunity to explore both near-Earth astronomy and lunar science.” The research is funded by NASA’s planetary defense program, with further details available on NASA’s website.
Media contacts for more information include Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA Headquarters, and Lowell Observatory.
Source: https://www.nasa.gov/science-research/planetary-science/study-finds-earths-small-asteroid-visitor-likely-chunk-of-moon-rock