How to see Earth's new 'second moon' that won't be witnessed again until 2055

How to see Earth's new 'second moon' for a limited time, while it's captured by Earth's gravity, has been revealed.

Space is a truly wonderful thing, and it's often the case that here on Earth, we can't observe it as much as we like.

But thanks to a mini-moon, which is essentially a tiny asteroid, that has all changed.

The Moon has orbited our planet for the last four billion years, and for the next two months, it won't be alone as an asteroid named '2024 PT5' will be making the well-known journey too.

You'll be able to see Earth's 'second moon' for the next two months (Getty Stock Photo)

Speaking about the incredible development to Space, Professor Carlos de la Fuente Marcos said: "The object that is going to pay us a visit belongs to the Arjuna asteroid belt, a secondary asteroid belt made of space rocks that follow orbits very similar to that of Earth at an average distance to the sun of about 93 million miles [150 million kilometers].

"Objects in the Arjuna asteroid belt are part of the near-Earth object population of asteroids and comets."

A mini-moon can be defined as a 'temporarily captured object', with a diameter of roughly 11 metres.

The moon's orbit officially began on Sunday (29 September), and it will do so until 25 November.

Orbiting our planet in a horseshoe-shape, the moon will eventually return to a heliocentric orbit, which is around the Sun.

This will mean us on Earth will no longer be able to see the 'second moon', with it not being predicted to return into Earth's orbit again until 2055.

The moon has begun its orbit (Getty Stock Photo)

So, those who are hoping to see the moon would be wise to take the opportunity in the next couple of months while they can - but how can we see it?

Well, unfortunately the telescope your mom and dad bought you for your birthday is not going to be sufficient, neither is a pair of binoculars.

That is because 2024 PT5 is extremely hard to spot because of its size.

Marcos added: "The object is too small and dim for typical amateur telescopes and binoculars. However, the object is well within the brightness range of typical telescopes used by professional astronomers.

"A telescope with a diameter of at least 30 inches plus a CCD or CMOS detector are needed to observe this object, a 30 inches telescope and a human eye behind it will not be enough."

So, time to get your hands on an industry-standard telescope.

• Space expert explains how 'lava tubes' could help us one day live on the Moon
• NASA unveils new plan for people to live on the moon inside giant glass bubbles
• NASA issues disturbing update on 'city destroying' asteroid that could hit the moon in a matter of years
• Scientists reveal exact date mysterious object that Harvard scientist claims is 'not natural' will be closest to Earth