Close Approach of (66146) 1998 TU3

[PMSchu]

CNEOS predicts that the kilometer-sized Aten-class NEA, (66146) 1998 TU3, will make a close approach on 2026-Aug-26 16:35±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.09029 AU moving with V Relative=11.31 km/sec, H=14.4 magnitude, diameter 2.864±1.165 km, and 'Rarity'=3. As of 2025 Jan 15, there was a 15321 day observation arc, the Condition Code=0 and the Earth MOID=0.0736999 AU. The solution date was 2025-Jan-15 05:18:52 PST. Discovered 1998-10-13 by LINEAR at Socorro. The observation arc was extended by observations on 1982-12-04 at Siding Spring.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 Aug 1, ST4.1.11.21 Visual Pro predicts that (66146) 1998 TU3 will reach a peak brightness of 11.5 magnitude from August 30 (in Horologium) to September 4 (in Phoenix), but below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio (40°N). Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 Aug 26 at 1300 EDT (1700 UT) with the NEA traveling through Horologium at 11.9 magnitude and 10"/minute, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. This object is best observed from the southern hemisphere.

Here's the Object Info dialog for (66146) 1998 TU3:     

Here's the predicted path of (66146) 1998 TU3:    

The orbit of this NEA is well defined so the predicted positions should be accurate, but observers should monitor the CNEOS website to see if the Solution date is updated.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

[PMSchu]

(66146) 1998 TU3 is still brightening in the southern sky. It's currently ~12th magnitude. Southern hemisphere observers are getting quite a view.

Phil S.

[PaulGS]

(66146) 1998 TU3 is still brightening in the southern sky. It's currently ~12th magnitude. Southern hemisphere observers are getting quite a view.

Phil S.

Thanks Phil - I would love to check this out if my sky was actually clear for once in the past 2 months. We seem to be having an even more miserable winter than usual in Melbourne, in terms of cloud cover/rain.

I'll keep this is mind for the next clear night if it's still around (and assuming it's even visible with my gear and light pollution).

[PMSchu]

Hi Paul,

If you want to keep track of (66146) 1998 TU3, you can use SkyTools 4 Visual Pro to download the orbital elements for the NEAs at today's epoch from the MPC. There are currently about 40,000 of them and this is one of the larger ones.

Winter skies Down Under seem to tend toward crappy, unfortunately.

Phil S.