If you can see it

The moon will soon have a companion in Earth's orbit for a limited time.

According to a study published in the American Astronomical Society's journal Research Notes, the asteroid Arjuna will become a “mini-moon” event for nearly two months starting Sept. 29. The tiny asteroid, which researchers dubbed “2024 PT5,” will temporarily orbit Earth before returning to an asteroid belt that orbits the sun.

According to the study, scientists discovered the object on August 7 during routine monitoring using the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System in Sutherland, South Africa.

The duration of mini-lunar events can vary. Some take one or more years to complete one or more complete rotations around Earth. Others do not complete a complete rotation and last several months, weeks or even days, according to Space.com.

Previous minimoon events occurred in short-lived minimoons in 1981 and 2022, the researchers added.

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What are mini moons?

During “mini-moon” events, objects in space, such as asteroids or floating pieces of space debris, temporarily orbit the Earth, with some completing a complete rotation.

To be considered a minimoon, an approaching body must reach Earth at a distance of about 4.5 million kilometers and at a constant speed of about 3,540 km/h, according to Carlos de la Fuente Marcos, a professor at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

When will the Earth have a mini moon?

An Arjuna asteroid named 2024 PT5 will become a minimoon orbiting Earth from September 29 to November 25.

In 2013, researchers explained that the Arjuna asteroids are “smaller bodies moving in orbits with low eccentricity, low inclination, and Earth-like period.”

Can we see the mini moon?

While Earth will have two moons for nearly two months, Earthlings will have to make do with seeing just one. According to Space.com, 2024 PT5 will not be visible to most people due to its size and brightness.

“The object is too small and too dim for typical amateur telescopes and binoculars. However, it is well within the brightness range of typical telescopes used by professional astronomers,” Marcos told the outlet. “To observe this object, a telescope with a diameter of at least 30 inches is required, as well as a CCD or CMOS detector. A 30-inch telescope and a human eye behind it will not suffice.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Study shows 'mini-moon' will stay in Earth's orbit for nearly two months