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.

Although it’s being called a “mini-moon,” the object is actually an asteroid named 2024 PT5. It has been temporarily captured by Earth’s gravitational pull. The tiny asteroid will remain in Earth’s orbit from now until Nov. 25, when it will exit and continue its journey through the solar system.