New ‘mini moon’ set to enter Earth’s orbit

An artist’s impression of an asteroid orbiting the Earth. Picture: Bonekimages/Alamy Stock Photo

Earth is set to play host to a “mini-moon” this week, as a small asteroid – about the length of a double decker bus – enters the planet’s orbit.

The temporary guest, called 2024 PT5, is set to arrive on September 29 and is expected to befriend the regular Moon for around two months.