Close Approach of 2023 HZ3

[PMSchu]

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEO, 2023 HZ3, will make a close approach on 2023-Apr-28 23:47±00:17 UT at a distance of 0.00318 AU, V Relative=8.79 km/sec, H=27.5 magnitude, size 8.4 m - 19 m, 'Rarity'=0. The Condition Code=7 with a 2 day observation arc. The Earth MOID=0.0025366 AU This NEO was first observed at Pan-STARRS 2, Haleakala on 2023-04-22. The orbit should be refined as more observations are obtained.

Using MPC's elements for 2023 Apr 24 0000 UT, ST4v predicts that the close approach will occur (to the nearest hour) on 2023 Apr 29 0000 EDT when the NEO will be 480.2k km distant at 17.3 magnitude moving through Pavo at 230"/min in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. The peak brightness of 16.7 magnitude is predicted to occur 2023 Apr 28 1100 EDT with the object in Lupus moving at 166"/min again in daylight below the horizon. This is a southern hemisphere object.

Here's an Object Info dialog for this NEO:     

The time of the close approach should become more accurate in the next several days. As this object will be very close, parallax will affect the observed positions. Everyone will need finder charts for their location with recent elements.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

[PMSchu]

The orbit for this NEO has been refined. Here's the updated Object Info dialog showing the new data:     

The changes to the predictions are minimal. The uncertainty of the close approach time has been reduced to <1 minute. The Condition Code is still 7 and the observation arc has increased to 5 days.

Phil S.