Close Approach of 2024 GN2

[PMSchu]

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEO, 2024 GN2, will make a close approach on 2024-Apr-16 14:20±00:01 UT at a distance of 0.00312 AU moving with V Relative=18.51 km/sec, H=26.4 magnitude, diameter 14 m - 31 m and 'Rarity'=1. The orbit has been refined over a 5 day observation arc. The Condition Code=8 and the Earth MOID=0.00303177 AU. The solution date is 2024-Apr-14 06:17:36 PDT. The orbit has been refined since it first appeared on the MPC's list of NEAs at Today's Epoch downloaded by SkyTools on April 11. The initial reported observation was by Pan-STARRS 2, Haleakala on 2024-04-09. This NEO will probably be added to MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids due to the small MOID value.

Using MPC's orbital elements for 2024 Apr 14 0000 UT, ST4v predicts that this NEO will reach a maximum brightness of 16.3 magnitude on (to the nearest hour) 2024 Apr 16 0500 EDT at 556.5k km distance moving through Crux at 300"/minute, below the horizon as seen from Columbus, Ohio. Close approach (to the nearest hour) is predicted on 2024 Apr 16 1000 EDT at 468.5k km distance and 17.0 magnitude moving through Mensa at 476"/minute, still below the horizon  and in daylight as seen from Columbus, Ohio. This object will be best seen from the southern hemisphere.

Here's the Object Info dialog for this NEO:     

Anyone wishing to observe this object should download orbital elements from the MPC's NEAs at Today's Epoch datafile or JPL's HORIZON website near the time of the close approach, since parallax will affect the apparent position of the nearby NEO relative to the stars.

Good hunting,

Phil S.