Small asteroid NEA 2024 PT5 has sparked intrigue about its origins—possibly linked to a lunar fragment. Discovered in August 2024, this near-Earth object (NEO) exhibits silicate-rich composition, ruling out artificial sources. Its reflectance spectrum closely matches lunar samples, unlike typical asteroids. If confirmed, PT5 would be the second known moon-derived asteroid in the near-Earth population. Researchers estimate there could be up to five to ten more such fragments. This discovery highlights the potential of lunar ejecta contributing to near-Earth asteroid dynamics. Larger telescopes and advanced techniques will likely uncover additional moon-sourced asteroids. The study, led by Theodore Kareta (Lowell Observatory) and Oscar Fuentes-Munoz (NASA JPL), is available on arXiv. PT5 will pass near Earth again this month, with NASA planning further studies of its trajectory and characteristics.
Source: https://www.businesstoday.in/visualstories/news/earths-secret-moon-scientists-unravel-the-bizarre-mystery-of-asteroid-pt5-202825-16-01-2025