2022 FB2 5 stars!

[PMSchu]

Hi MP hunters,

It looks like we have another winner. The Near Earth Asteroid (NEA) 2022 FB2 is predicted to approach within ~150,000 km on Mar 28 at 1200 EDT when it will be in Antlia moving at 17.3"/sec. Max brightness is predicted to be 13.2 magnitude on Mar 28@1000 EDT in Crater moving at 12.5"/sec. I calculated the ephemeris at 2 hour intervals so, if you plan to observe this object, I recommend that you download the MPC's NEAs at Today's Epoch data file using ST4v's minor planet data tools to get the most recent elements & calculate an ephemeris for your observing location. If you just download the elements for 2022 FB2 from the MPC, you'll get the elements for the standard epoch - 2022 Jan 21, though.

This looks like a good object for folks in the southern hemisphere. I hope this is enough warning. Here's the predicted path as seen from Sydney, Australia: [attachment=2302]

Phil S.

[ledge1962]

This looks like a good one. 'Look for it in complete darkness'... Not a problem here at present as it is so cloudy, no light gets through

[PMSchu]

Oh darn! 

Phil S.

[ledge1962]

If i win lotto, I will come visit and see what the Northern sky looks like. We are not to bad here as we are between bortle 3-4, but sounds like you have some very clear nights there

[bigmasterdrago]

For me, it is 35° up predawn, mag 14.1 then 13.7 when 18° up an hour later in Virgo. Then dims quickly as noon approaches for close approach moving 17"/sec and well below the horizon. Another nice close one. And fair size also. Too bad, so sad!

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Thought it is worth a try, but I'm seeing high, thin cirrus encroaching from w Texas. azi 256 alt 36°at 4:57CDT. Skies there Bortle 4.