2024-05-30, 05:34 PM
CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEO, 2024 KX will make a close approach on 2024-May-31 03:42±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.00194 AU moving with V Relative=8.25 km/sec, H=27.6 magnitude, diameter 8.0 m - 18 m and 'Rarity'=0. There is a 2 day observation arc, the Condition Code=5 and the Earth MOID=0.00143574 AU. The solution date was 2024-May-30 06:21:15 PDT. The initial reported observation was by Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala on 2024-05-28.
Using MPC's elements for the epoch 2024 May 30 0000 UT ST4V predicts that this NEO will reach a peak brightness of 15.6 magnitude on 2024 May 30 at 2000 EDT when the NEO will be in Hydra traveling ~310"/minute in daylight near the horizon. Close approach is predicted to occur (to the nearest hour) on 2024 May 31 0000 EDT (0400 UT) when the NEO is 294.8k km distant at 16.1 magnitude traveling through Centaurus at ~350"/minute near the horizon. This object is best seen from the southern hemisphere, but the timing of the close approach is favorable for southern Europe and Africa. This one will really be moving quickly at the time of close approach.
Here's the Object Info dialog for this NEO:
For best accuracy observers should update their MP database with orbital elements downloaded from JPL's HORIZONS website as described in the post pinned to the top of this Forum section.
Good hunting,
Phil S.
Using MPC's elements for the epoch 2024 May 30 0000 UT ST4V predicts that this NEO will reach a peak brightness of 15.6 magnitude on 2024 May 30 at 2000 EDT when the NEO will be in Hydra traveling ~310"/minute in daylight near the horizon. Close approach is predicted to occur (to the nearest hour) on 2024 May 31 0000 EDT (0400 UT) when the NEO is 294.8k km distant at 16.1 magnitude traveling through Centaurus at ~350"/minute near the horizon. This object is best seen from the southern hemisphere, but the timing of the close approach is favorable for southern Europe and Africa. This one will really be moving quickly at the time of close approach.
Here's the Object Info dialog for this NEO:
For best accuracy observers should update their MP database with orbital elements downloaded from JPL's HORIZONS website as described in the post pinned to the top of this Forum section.
Good hunting,
Phil S.