A newly discovered asteroid, also referred to as a mini-moon or second moon, is set to enter Earth's orbit temporarily this fall.

In just over one week’s time, Earth will gain a new celestial companion that will stay for two months in the planet’s gravitational cradle. Meet asteroid 2024 PT5, Earth’s latest mini-moon. “It is pretty cool,

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.

It won't be there forever, but Earth will have a second moon when a small asteroid begins to orbit the planet later this month, space researchers have announced.

Though the mini-moon will only be in Earth’s orbit for about two months, it’ll stay close to the planet for a few months, making its closest approach in January 2025, after which it’s expected to make a return to the planet’s orbit in 2055, according to the study.

The Earth is getting a second 'mini-moon' later this month, but it'll only last from Sept. 29 to Nov. 25, researchers say.

The asteroid, named 2024 PT5, will do a 56-day horseshoe-shaped fly-by near Earth before it continues on it journey.

A temporary “mini-moon” will whirl around Earth for about two months as our planet’s gravity captures a small asteroid in its orbit.