What Will the Mini-Moon Inspire You to Learn and Create?
We first heard the phrase "mini-moon" from a newlywed couple. They couldn't go on a long, faraway honeymoon, so they camped on a local beach for a long weekend. They dubbed their beach hangout a mini-moon.
But now, a different type of mini-moon is in the news, and it's astronomical! On September 29, Planet Earth acquired a short-term cosmic companion called a mini-moon. This new visitor is actually an asteroid named 2024 PT5.
Astronomers call this asteroid a mini-moon because the Earth's gravity has temporarily captured it. It will make a partial orbit around the Earth that will last around 56 days.
And while this mini-moon is making the news, the Earth has had many other mini-moons. For example, a mini-moon named 2006 RH120 orbited Earth for a whole year from July 2006 to July 2007. Another one, called 2020 CD3, was around for a few years before flying away in May 2020.
Mini-moon 2024 PT5 is an asteroid much smaller than our moon. It's only about the size of a bus!
For comparison, the Earth's moon is around 7,082 feet in diameter. Plus, it's been orbiting Earth for over 4 billion years!
The Earth's moon is also a lot closer to Earth than the mini-moon. The moon is about 238,855 miles from Earth, while the mini-moon is 2.8 million miles away. That's over ten times the distance!
Because it's so small and dim and far, you won't be able to see the mini-moon with the naked eye. You won't even be able to see it with your backyard telescope!
But keep your eyes on the news. Professional astronomers with telescopes and special equipment will be able to observe it. They might choose to share their images. Or you can talk to your local astronomical clubs or look online for tracking and observation details.
You're also likely to see artists' impressions or computer simulations. Maybe you can draw one or sculpt a mini-moon of your own!
You don't even have to use modeling clay or Play-Doh. For example, it's fun to carve out the different phases of the moon with Oreo cookies. Imagine the art you can create with your teeth and a spoon!
You can also see celestial objects like the sun, comets, asteroids, and a dwarf planet on Uncle Goose Solar System Blocks. Or explore moon phases with our Moon Phase Blocks. Our Planet Blocks give you information on the number of moons different planets have, as well as their diameters. And our Constellation Blocks are heavenly!
Grab your blocks, your cookies, your crayons, and your clay! What will the mini-moon inspire you to learn and create?
