2025-08-26, 06:41 PM
CNEOS predicts that the medium-sized NEO, 1998 SH2, will make a close approach on 2025-Aug-30 13:25±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.02078 AU moving with V Relative=17.30 km/sec, H=20.8 magnitude, diameter 0.383±0.057 km and 'Rarity'=2. As of 2021 Apr 14, there was a 6615 day observation arc, the Condition Code=0 and the Earth MOID=0.0189195 AU. The solution date was 2021-Apr-14 20:48:31 PDT. The initial reported observation was by Steward Observatory, Kitt Peak-Spacewatch on 1998-09-17. This minor planet is on the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs). The close approach predicted on 2061-Sep-03 17:25 ± 00:01 UT is even closer than the current Earth MOID at 0.01647 AU.
Using MPC's orbital elements for 2025 Aug 16 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.16 Visual Pro predicts that 1998 SH2 will reach a peak brightness of 14.8 magnitude on September 1 at 0400 EDT (0700 UT) with the NEO 0.03 AU distant traveling through Phoenix at ~40"/minute near the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on August 30 at 0900 EDT (1300 UT) with 1998 SH2 0.02 AU distant and 15.5 magnitude traveling through Dorado at 70"/minute, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus. This object will be best observed from the southern hemisphere, but observers in the southern USA should have a good view as well. Above 40°N, not-so-much. It will move to the north and be better positioned for northern hemisphere observers from September 2 to September 5, however.
Here's the Object Info dialog for 1998 SH2:
This MP's orbit is well defined and it's not passing very close, but the orbital elements haven't been recalculated since 2021. I expected that CNEOS would have updated the orbit by now, but no joy. Observers should follow the instructions for obtaining the most recent orbital elements as described in the top post of this forum section for the most accurate position predictions.
Good hunting,
Phil S.
Using MPC's orbital elements for 2025 Aug 16 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.16 Visual Pro predicts that 1998 SH2 will reach a peak brightness of 14.8 magnitude on September 1 at 0400 EDT (0700 UT) with the NEO 0.03 AU distant traveling through Phoenix at ~40"/minute near the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on August 30 at 0900 EDT (1300 UT) with 1998 SH2 0.02 AU distant and 15.5 magnitude traveling through Dorado at 70"/minute, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus. This object will be best observed from the southern hemisphere, but observers in the southern USA should have a good view as well. Above 40°N, not-so-much. It will move to the north and be better positioned for northern hemisphere observers from September 2 to September 5, however.
Here's the Object Info dialog for 1998 SH2:
This MP's orbit is well defined and it's not passing very close, but the orbital elements haven't been recalculated since 2021. I expected that CNEOS would have updated the orbit by now, but no joy. Observers should follow the instructions for obtaining the most recent orbital elements as described in the top post of this forum section for the most accurate position predictions.
Good hunting,
Phil S.