Close Approach of 2025 QD8

[PMSchu]

CNEOS predicts the close approach of the newly discovered Apollo class NEO, 2025 QD8, on 2025-Sep-03 15:05±03:39 UT at a distance of 0.00146 AU moving with V Relative=12.78 km/sec, H=26.1 magnitude, diameter 16 m - 37 m and 'Rarity'=2. As of August 27 there is a 2 day observation arc, the Condition Code=9 and the Earth MOID=0.000743759 AU. The solution date was 2025-Aug-27 19:12:02 PDT. The initial reported observation was by Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala on 2025-08-26.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2025 Aug 28 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.16 Visual Pro predicts that 2025 QD8 will reach a peak brightness of 13.6 magnitude on Sep 3 at 0600 EDT (1000 UT)  with the NEO traveling through Pisces at 330"/minute. Close approach (to the nearest hour) is predicted on Sep 3 at 1100 EDT (1500 UT) with the NEO traveling through Andromeda at 14.1 magnitude and 11.8"/second, but in daylight in Columbus, Ohio. This close approach looks like it will be best observed from Hawaii, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. If the early predictions are correct, 2025 QD8 will still  reach 13.6 magnitude in the early morning of Sep 3 in the Eastern Time Zone and points west although the close approach will occur during daylight.

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2025 QD8:    

The orbit for 2025 QD8 is still very uncertain so I plan to post an update after more observations are available to refine it.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

[PMSchu]

CNEOS has updated the close approach prediction for recently discovered Apollo class NEO, 2025 QD8.  Close approach is predicted on 2025-Sep-03 14:57±00:02 UT at a distance of  0.00146 AU moving with V Relative=12.80 km/sec, H=26.0 magnitude, diameter 17 m - 38 m and 'Rarity'=2. As of September 1 there is a 15 day observation arc, the Condition Code=7 and the Earth MOID=0.000846642 AU. The solution date was 2025-Sep-01 06:54:28 PDT. The observation arc was extended to Aug 16 by 12 observations by Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala on Aug 16, 17 and 24.  The latest prediction is only 8 minutes earlier than the time predicted on August 28.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2025 Sep 1 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.16 Visual Pro predicts that 2025 QD8 will reach a peak brightness of 13.6 magnitude on Sep 3 at 0600 EDT (1000UT) at a distance of 317.6k km traveling through Pisces at 335"/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on Sep 3 at 1100 EDT (1500 UT) with the NEO traveling through Andromeda at 14.1 magnitude and 11.8"/second, but in daylight in Columbus, Ohio. The best views of the close approach will be from Hawaii, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. It will be brighter than 14.5 magnitude and fast on the morning of Sep 3; however, so still very impressive.

Here's the updated Object Info dialog for 2025 QD8:    

Since this MP will pass very close and the orbit is still being refined, observers should follow the directions in the "Important" thread at the top of this forum section for instructions on downloading orbital elements close to their time of observation.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

[Dennis]

Thanks for the heads up Phil.

I had a look at this, but unfortunately, it does not get above the tree line from our place for tonight (3rd Sept 2025). Last night (midnight) it was around +82 degrees altitude and just over mag 16, well within reach were it not for the clouds….

Dennis.

[PMSchu]

Yes, that one just shot past us. Tonight it's predicted to have faded to 20.3 magnitude already at 1163.8k km in Lynx at 1146 EDT (1546 UT). I guess that's tomorrow for me.

It's a shame that you missed it. That one was a real screamer moving at almost 12"/second at close approach. Darn clouds!

There's another one coming up, 2009 FF, that's predicted to peak at 15.5 magnitude on September 13. CNEOS lists this pass as a 'Rarity'=1 event.

Phil S.