Close Approach of 2023 JK3

[PMSchu]

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEO 2023 JK3 will make a close approach on 2023-May-22 06:31±00:08 UT at a distance of 0.00416 AU, with V Relative=4.89 km/sec, H=25.7 magnitude, size 20 m - 44 m, 'Rarity'=1 and Condition Code=7. There was a 3 day observation arc. The Earth MOID = 0.00367689 AU. The first reported observation was by Mt. Lemmon Survey on 2023-05-13. The accuracy of the close approach time should improve in the next few days as more observations are obtained.

Using MPC's elements for 2023 May 16 0000 UT, ST4v predicts that close approach (to the nearest hour) will occur on 2023 May 22 0300 EDT with the NEO 636.1k km distant and 15.6 magnitude traveling through Centaurus at 97.5"/min below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. The peak brightness of 15.4 magnitude is predicted to occur on 2023 May 21 2200 EDT when the NEO is 641.2k km distant moving through Lupus at 97.4"/min also below the horizon from Columbus, Ohio.

This NEO is best observed from the southern hemisphere, weather permitting.

Here's the Object Info dialog for this MP:     

Good hunting,

Phil S.

[Dennis]

Here we go Phil, testing out my new Celestron C9.25 Edge HD on this NEO, it was moving quite swiftly across the field.

Cheers

Dennis

   

[PMSchu]

Excellent job, Dennis! You've bagged another one. The mount's tracking on the NEO also looks very good. 

I'm glad that you were able to capture it. 

Were you able to take a shot at NEO 2023 KZ1? It was just discovered on 2023 May 22 & I didn't have a chance to make a post about it. ST4v predicted that it reached a maximum brightness of 14 magnitude on 2023 May 23 at 0900 EDT (1300 UT).

WAFLAF

Phil S.

[Dennis]

Hi Phil

Thanks for the NEO Bulletins, it's nice when the trifecta of knowledge, clear skies and free time all collide.

Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of 2023 KZ1 so missed that opportunity. What a screamer, it looked to be a fast mover.

Cheers

Dennis

[PMSchu]

Hi Dennis,

I was busy yesterday, plus the MPC unloaded a bunch of new NEOs to the data file & 2023 KZ1 was already past close approach. It was a perfect object for you, being in Scorpius during the close approach moving ~415"/min!

Here's the ST4v Object Info dialog:     

It's dimmed quite a bit since yesterday's close approach, but is still predicted to be moving at ~35"/min.

As BMD noted, there are some bright NEOs predicted for June 2023, 2 'Rarity'=2 events. one for the northern hemisphere & one for the southern hemisphere. CNEOS also predicts 2 more 'Rarity'=2 events for July 2023, but I haven't checked out the particulars of those events yet. 'Rarity'=2 events almost always provide a bright close approach and are frequently observable over several days, they get so bright.

Phil S.