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.

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

When approaching Earth, asteroids tend to do one of two things: Most of the time, they miss. Sometimes, they hit, leaving a bright streak in our planet’s sky or a gruesome new wound in its crust. But very rarely, asteroids are captured by Earth’s gravity and pirouette around the planet, becoming, in effect, a moon — albeit an ephemeral one.