Close Approach of 2022 PW

[PMSchu]

The newly discovered NEO 2022 PW is predicted to make a close approach according to the CNEOS website on 2022 Aug 16 02:32 ±04:13 UT at a distance of 0.00353 AU. H=25.4, 'Rarity'=1, Condition Code=7. The data arc is only 1 day, hence the uncertainty in the time of close approach.

Using osculating elements for 2022 Aug 7 00:00 UT, ST4v predicts that this NEO will reach a peak brightness of 15.5 magnitude on August 15 04:00 EDT when the MP will be moving northeast through Pegasus at 85.9"/min. The moon will interfere, unfortunately. Here's an Interactive Atlas chart showing the predicted path of 2022 PW: [attachment=2456]

Since this NEO was discovered so recently, I'd recommend downloading elements closer to the time of close approach after there have been more observations to refine the orbit. It's still a week away.

I'll post additional information closer to the event as the orbit is refined.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

[PMSchu]

Hi MP Hunters,

Here's the promised update on 2022 PW. This MP is still on track to reach peak brightness of 15.5 magnitude on the morning of Aug 15 from ~0000-0500 EDT when it will be in Pegasus. It will even attain 15.4 magnitude between 0600-1100 EDT while still in Pegasus moving >95"/min. 

The ST4v ephemeris prediction using the MPC's 2022 Aug 12 0000 UT elements :

Max 15.5 Aug 15@0400 735.0k km 87.0"/min
Min Re 535.1k km Aug  15@2300 16.1 Mag In And 176.0"/min

CNEOS predicts the close approach at 2022 Aug 16 02:47 ± 00:11 UT at a distance of 0.00354 AU. H=25.4, 'Rarity'=1, Condition Code=7.

NOTE: I made an error in the estimated motion in the original post for the motion at close approach. I repeated the motion value for Aug 15 0400 EDT (85.9 "/min) instead of getting the correct value for Aug 15 2300 EDT (~170"/min). Since St4v has updated the orbital elements to those for Aug 12, I can't repeat the calculation without downloading the old elements from HORIZONS & that doesn't seem worth the effort.

This object is still one of the brightest MPs we've had in a while despite the moon's interference. It's even brighter further west.

Good hunting,

Phil S.