Asteroid 2024 PT5 Traced to the Moon, Offering New Planetary Defense Insights

A space rock known as 2024 PT5, roughly the size of a school bus, remained near Earth for nearly two months last year. The asteroid made a safe return in January, passing at a distance of 1.1 million miles. Researchers now believe it originated from the moon, possibly ejected thousands of years ago by a significant impact. This discovery enhances our understanding of near-Earth objects and their potential origins.

Study Confirms Lunar Connection

A study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters linked 2024 PT5 to the lunar surface using data from the Lowell Discovery Telescope in Arizona and NASA’s Infrared Telescope Facility in Hawai’i. Spectral analysis revealed that the asteroid’s composition closely matches lunar highland rocks, particularly those collected during the Apollo 14 mission. Teddy Kareta, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory, noted that the asteroid contains silicate minerals—rare in most asteroids but consistent with lunar material. These findings were verified through extensive comparisons with meteorite and terrestrial databases.

Evidence Dismisses Artificial Origins

As reported by Space.com, researchers ruled out artificial origins such as space debris, confirming 2024 PT5’s natural formation. Its trajectory and composition support the theory that it was once part of the moon before being ejected into space. This marks only the second known case of an asteroid with a lunar origin, following the discovery of 469219 Kamo’oalewa.

Implications for Planetary Defence and Future Research

The study suggests that more lunar-origin asteroids may exist, with researchers identifying 16 potential candidates among current near-Earth object catalogs. Advanced detection systems, such as the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory, could improve the identification and monitoring of these space rocks. Understanding their characteristics is crucial for planetary defence, particularly in assessing impact risks from asteroids with lunar origins.