Close Approach of (531944) 2013 CU83

[PMSchu]

CNEOS predicts that the NEO (531944) 2013 CU83 will make a close approach on July 30 23:34±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.04652 AU. H=21.3, 'Rarity'=1. Using orbital elements for 2022 August 9 0000 UT, ST4v predicts that this Amor class NEO will reach peak brightness of 16.0 magnitude on July 30 at 00:00 EDT at 0.05 AU distance. It will be moving through Scutum at 10.4"/min. It will fade slowly to 16.4 magnitude as it moves into Aquila & Serpens Cauda slowing to 9.38"/min on August 4.

Here's an Interactive Atlas chart showing the predicted path from Columbus, Ohio from July 29 to August 3: [attachment=2439]

This NEO has been on the CNEOs website for quite a while & it's finally arrived. It's not especially bright or fast, but it will stick around for a few days.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

[bigmasterdrago]

Thanks for the heads-up. Looks best for me on July 28, 23:00-24:00 when up ~40° near mag 16.03. Then about the same 24 hours later. Then 24 hours later a bit higher (50°), same speed and a tiny bit fainter. Total proper motion is very slow due to the geometry of the pass. ~10"/min the entire pass.

Unfortunately, this good sized rock will be just out of reach in my 13" and at the edge of my 24 incher and smack in the Houston/Conroe sky glow when high.

Interestingly, 2016 CZ31 just b4 CU83 in the CNEOS list looked promising as it is also a large rock. Fainter, faster and too far south!

[PMSchu]

Hi BMD,

The NEO (531944) is also 0.05 AU distant so the relative motion appears less. According to CNEOS, V(Relative) is 5.88 km/sec.

I had hopes for 2016 CZ31 since it had a 'Rarity' =1, the same as (531944), but it didn't pan out. Here's the OI with my notes on the close approach of 2016 CZ31: [attachment=2440]

It didn't get bright at all & it was in the sun at the brightest part of the pass anyway.

Hopefully you can spot (531944) over the next few days.

Phil S.