CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEO 2023 LA will make a close approach on 2023-Jun-12 00:35±00:02 UT at a distance of 0.00441 AU with V Relative=10.45 km/sec, H=25.2 magnitude, diameter 24 m - 54 m, 'Rarity'=1. The Condition Code=8 with an 11 day observation arc. The Earth MOID=0.00378889 AU. The first reported observation was by Mt. Lemmon Survey on 2023-06-05. The orbit is still being refined.

Using MPC's elements for 2023 Jun 6, ST4v predicts that this NEO will reach a peak brightness of 14.5 magnitude on 2023 Jun 11 at 1700 EDT at 676.8k km distant moving through Scutum at 190"/min in dayligh below the horizon as seen from Columbus, Ohio. It's predicted to be visible from Columbus on the morning of Jun 11 when it will be moving through Ophiuchus at 14.7 magnitude and 100"/min.

The southern hemisphere is favored for this close approach.

The apparent position of this NEO will be strongly affected by parallax, so you'll need to download the elements from MPC for NEOs at Today's Epoch using ST4 to get the latest data. BMD recommends downloading elements from JPL's HORIZONS system for best accuracy. Dennis in Australia has successfully imaged several close approaches, but I don't know which source he uses for his orbital elements. His tracking is very accurate.

I'll provide further updates when the orbit is refined.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Hello,

do you have any idea, why the Img. Time is 3 minutes for nearly all listed objects in my Target Selection List? I have played around with the prime time year constraints and checked the image system settings, but I have no idea what's the reason
   

Thanks
Markus

With an aim to broaden our horizons, we are launching our very own Skyhound Discord Server. This will serve as an additional platform for our community, offering another conduit to connect, engage and converse about our shared passion – astronomy.

Our forums have been a great place for in-depth, technical questions about SkyTools, and rest assured, they will continue to be. The Discord server is not a replacement, but an expansion. We hope to stir up more open and general discussions about all things astronomy, whether visual or imaging.

We envision this space to be less about support-oriented conversations (which often end up being led by me) and more about astronomy, and doing astronomy with SkyTools especially.

I understand that not everyone is familiar with or comfortable using Discord, and that is absolutely okay. The server is there for those who'd like to use it.

For those who are interested, you can join the Skyhound Discord Server by clicking on the link below. Remember, whether you are a seasoned astronomer or a novice stargazer, our Discord community has space for everyone. Head on over and be one of the first to post!

https://discord.gg/Q5uAuJ6ukd

We are looking forward to embarking on this new journey with you all, sharing more about our experiences, insights, equipment, and love for the cosmos.

Clear skies and happy observing!

Hi,

is it possible to define some user defined "region" in the target list? e.g. I want to create the region around Sadr with all the Ha as a "wild field target". Is there any possibility?

Thanks,

Markus

Hi,

I am using ASIair for my astrophotography. Is ST4 able to create plans that I can import into ASIair?

Thanks,

Markus

CNEOS predicts that the NEO 2020 DB5 will make a close approach on 2023-Jun-15 02:04±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.02880 AU with V Relative=9.52 km/sec, H=19.2 magnitude, diameter 380 m - 850 m, 'Rarity'=2. The Condition Code=0 and the Earth MOID=0.0164621 AU. This is a medium sized object with a well defined orbit. The parameters listed by CNEOS haven't changed since Apr 22 so I don't anticipate any further changes to this information before the close approach.

Using MPC's elements for 2023 May 30, ST4v predicts that 2020 DB5 will reach peak brightness of 13.8 magnitude on 2023 Jun 13 2300 EDT at a distance of 0.03 AU when the object will be moving through Centaurus at 26"/min. Close approach (to the nearest hour) will occur on 2023 Jun 14 2200 EDT when this NEO will be 13.8 magnitude still moving through Centaurus at 27.3"/min, too close to the horizon to be visible from Columbus, Ohio. The close approach will be best from the southern hemisphere.

On the evening of 2023 Jun 11, both 2020 DB5 and (488453) 1994 XD will be brighter than 15 magnitude in Virgo and Cepheus, respectively, well placed for northern hemisphere observers. These are both 'Rarity'=2 close approaches, so seeing 2 of these NEOs on the same night, even if not at their maximum brightness, is still very rare.

Here's the Object Info dialog for this NEO:     

Good hunting,

Phil S.

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEO 2023 HO18 will make a close approach on 2023-Jun-04 17:44±00:06 UT at a distance of 0.00312 AU, V Relative=4.65 km/sec, H=25.1 magnitude, diameter 25 m - 56 m, 'Rarity'=1. Condition Code=7, 35 day observation arc, Earth MOID=0.0030763 AU. This object was first reported observation by Mt. Lemmon Survey on 2023-04-22.

Here's the ST4v Object Info dialog for this NEO:     

This object is best viewed from the southern hemisphere during close approach, but it is bright enough to be visible on the mornings of June 3 & 4 in the northern hemisphere as well.

Hopefully the orbit will be refined further in the next few days.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

A supernova has been discovered in the bright nearby galaxy M101!

HI Greg 

quick question with reference to the upcoming NINA integration. 

im lucky enough to have 5 scopes and have set them up with there own individual mini PC to control them. With the upcoming Nina integration am i able to install Sky tools 4 on each of them or am i limited to the amount of simultaneous installs. 

i have sent an email for the skytools Beta too. cant wait. This integration made me  switch from Voyager to Nina. 

many thanks 

stu