Close Approach of 2023 HO18

[PMSchu]

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEO 2023 HO18 will make a close approach on 2023-Jun-04 17:44±00:06 UT at a distance of 0.00312 AU, V Relative=4.65 km/sec, H=25.1 magnitude, diameter 25 m - 56 m, 'Rarity'=1. Condition Code=7, 35 day observation arc, Earth MOID=0.0030763 AU. This object was first reported observation by Mt. Lemmon Survey on 2023-04-22.

Here's the ST4v Object Info dialog for this NEO: [attachment=2812]

This object is best viewed from the southern hemisphere during close approach, but it is bright enough to be visible on the mornings of June 3 & 4 in the northern hemisphere as well.

Hopefully the orbit will be refined further in the next few days.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

[Dennis]

Thanks Phil, she's a bright one (mag 13/14) and gets to over 80 deg above the horizon, a good target for us in the S.

Cheers

Dennis

[PMSchu]

Yes, this is a good one with plenty of warning. CNEOS has already reduced the error on the close approach time to 17:43 ± 00:03 UT, Condition Code=6. It should be visible from the northern hemisphere before close approach too. The motion will be almost 2'/min at close approach. Smokin'!

It should be observable from almost everywhere June 3 & 4, but you'll get the best view for the close approach from Down Under.

Phil S.

[PMSchu]

Here's an update for the close approach of the recently discovered NEO 2023 HO18. The particulars haven't changed much.

As of 2023 May 30 CNEOS predicts that the close approach will occur on 2023-Jun-04 17:43±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.00312 AU with V Relative = 4.66 km/sec, H=25.2 magnitude, diameter 24 m - 54 m, 'Rarity'=1. The Condition Code=6 with a 38 day observation arc. The Earth MOID=0.00307891 AU.

Using MPC's elements for 2023 May 30, ST4v predicts that this NEO will reach a maximum brightness of 13 .5 magnitude on 2023 Jun 4 0800 EDT when the NEO will be 492.2k km distant moving through Scorpius at 107"/min. This occurs in daylight and below the horizon as seen from Columbus, Ohio. Close approach is predicted to occur (to the nearest hour) on 2023 Jun 4 at 1400 EDT with the 13.7 magnitude NEO moving through Scorpius at 117"/min still in daylight & below the horizon as seen from Columbus, Ohio.

This object is best for the southern hemisphere, but it may be observable on the morning of Jun 3 in Serpens and Jun 4 in Libra from the northern hemisphere. Since this one will be very close, parallax will affect the apparent position in the sky, so anyone who wants to observe this object should download the MPC elements for NEOs at Today's Epoch using SkyTools.

Here's the Object Info dialog for this close approach: [attachment=2813]

There's still some time to get ready for this one.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

[bigmasterdrago]

Great on June 4 in the early AM if not for the nasty full moon 12° away. Thanks for the heads up. But you need to work harder. LOL Just kidding. I really appreciate all the effort you do.

I've had DB5 on my list for some time now. It's up 25° after end of evening twilight on June 13 at 13.8 just out of my local skyglow.

[PMSchu]

At least the full moon is low in the northern hemisphere sky. There's no pleasing some people  .

Phil S.

[Dennis]

Just to follow up, we have been away on a short holiday and returned to 100% cloud cover for this event, so nothing from down under.

We have fabulous weather for our week away thought.

Cheers

Dennis

[PMSchu]

Hi Dennis,

Glad that you had good weather for your holiday. 2023 HO18 is gone, but the 2 'Rarity'=2 events are approaching. ST4v predicts that both of those NEOs are already ~15 magnitude and still brightening. Even 2023 HO18 is ~17 magnitude, still moving ~30"/min.

Phil S.