2023-01-02, 09:32 PM
(This post was last modified: 2023-01-02, 10:05 PM by bigmasterdrago.)
This is not an especially close pass, but because of its size and well known orbit, thought I would mention it. Using the Horizons osculating elements for Feb 2, I ran an ephem for the 4.7LD pass 2023-Feb-03 08:51UT. From my location, it is near 15th magnitude fairly high in my SE light polluted sky moving ~1'/min.
The interesting point is that it is much higher and brighter (14.4) on Feb 1 @03:00CST moving thru Sextans and then again high and bright on the Crater/Virgo/Corvus border, next day, same time. This is due to phase angle improvement.
The big rock continues back into Virgo as it dips below my horizon and fades as the phase angle plummets. Then back up in the predawn of close pass on the 3rd but dim. Track below.
The interesting point is that it is much higher and brighter (14.4) on Feb 1 @03:00CST moving thru Sextans and then again high and bright on the Crater/Virgo/Corvus border, next day, same time. This is due to phase angle improvement.
The big rock continues back into Virgo as it dips below my horizon and fades as the phase angle plummets. Then back up in the predawn of close pass on the 3rd but dim. Track below.