If you were hoping to see the “mini moon,” you’ve probably been disappointed. But experts say the asteroid was an important milestone in planetary defense research.

A small asteroid named 2024 PT5 will temporarily become Earth’s second moon, orbiting the planet before drifting away from its gravity.

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Over the weekend, a small asteroid entered what will be a nearly two-month orbit around our planet. For now, we’ll call it our temporary second mini moon. The asteroid, 2024 PT5, was first spotted in August by astronomers, and it will circle Earth through mid-November, about 57 days.