2024-11-25, 07:25 PM
CNEOS predicts that the large Apollo class NEO, 2020 XR, will make a close approach on 2024-Dec-04 05:27±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.01477 AU moving with V Relative=12.31 km/sec, H=19.8, diameter 290 m - 650 m and 'Rarity'=2. As of November 23 there is a 4287 day observation arc, the Condition Code=0 and the Earth MOID=0.00164873 AU. The solution date was 2024-Nov-23 05:24:18 PST. The initial reported observation was by Pan-STARRS 2, Haleakala on 2020-12-04. This NEO is on the MPC's list of Potentially Hazrdous Asteroids (PHAs). This is the closest it will come to earth between 1923 and 2157.
Using MPC's elements for 2024 Nov 25 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.14 predicts that 2020 XR will make a close approach (to the nearest hour) on 2024 Dec 4 at 0000 EST at a distance of 0.01 AU traveling through Sculptor at 67.5"/minute and 13.4 magnitude, but below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. Peak brightness of 13.3 magnitude is predicted on 2024 Dec 4 at 2100 EST with the NEO at a distance of 0.02 AU traveling through Phoenix at 57.2"/minute. This large objece should be visible in a 13" scope from November 29 when it's predicted to be 16.1 magnitude traveling through Delphinus at 13"/minute to December 9 when it's predicted to be 14.8 magnitude traveling through Columba at 44"/minute. The best views should be from the southern hemisphere after December 3.
Here's the Object Info dialog for 2020 XR:
Good Hunting,
Phil S.
Using MPC's elements for 2024 Nov 25 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.14 predicts that 2020 XR will make a close approach (to the nearest hour) on 2024 Dec 4 at 0000 EST at a distance of 0.01 AU traveling through Sculptor at 67.5"/minute and 13.4 magnitude, but below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. Peak brightness of 13.3 magnitude is predicted on 2024 Dec 4 at 2100 EST with the NEO at a distance of 0.02 AU traveling through Phoenix at 57.2"/minute. This large objece should be visible in a 13" scope from November 29 when it's predicted to be 16.1 magnitude traveling through Delphinus at 13"/minute to December 9 when it's predicted to be 14.8 magnitude traveling through Columba at 44"/minute. The best views should be from the southern hemisphere after December 3.
Here's the Object Info dialog for 2020 XR:
Good Hunting,
Phil S.