Scientists aren't sure if 2024 PT5 is an asteroid. At roughly 10 meters in length, 2024 PT5 is difficult to spot without a telescope. Yet a new study reveals that for the next two months, 2024 PT5 will join our Moon in orbit around our planet, which means Earth will (temporarily) have a second moon, from September 29 to November 25.

Here’s what to know about our new, temporary celestial neighbor. Earth has a large gravitational pull. So it’s not uncommon for objects flying through space to be attracted to it or get caught up in an orbit — at which point they earn status as miniature moons. The same happens with objects purposefully placed in space, such as satellites.

An asteroid, pulled into Earth’s orbit, is sometimes known as a ‘mini-moon.’ You’ll need a telescope to view it.