+- Skyhound Forums (https://skyhound.com/forums)
+-- Forum: General & Visual Observing (https://skyhound.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=13)
+--- Forum: Observing Close Approaching Asteroids (https://skyhound.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=28)
+--- Thread: Close Approach of 2026 LS1 (/showthread.php?tid=3444)
Close Approach of 2026 LS1 - PMSchu - 2026-06-12
CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered, Apollo-class NEA, 2026 LS1, will make a close approach on 2026-Jun-13 06:48±00:02 UT at a distance of 0.00120 AU moving with V Relative=8.34 km/sec, H=26.7 magnitude, diameter 12 m - 27 m and 'Rarity'=1. As of June 12 there is a 0.31 day observation arc, the Condition Code=7, and the Earth MOID=0.00121053 AU. The solution date was 2026-Jun-12 08:12:02 PDT. The initial reported observation was by ATLAS Chile, Rio Hurtado on 2026-06-12. This NEA is too small to make the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can download using SkyTools.
Using MPC's orbital elements for 2026 June 9 0000 UT downloaded on 2026 June 12, ST4.1.11.20 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 LS1 will reach a peak brightness of 14.9 magnitude on Jun 12 at 2300 EDT (June 13 0300 UT) at a distance of 219.8k km traveling through Carina at 392"/minute, but below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 Jun 13 at 0300 EDT (0700 UT) with the NEA traveling through Carina at a distance of 184.7k km and 15.7 magnitude at ~510"/minute, but still below the horizon in Columbus. This object is best observed from the southern hemisphere.
Here's the Object Info dialog for 2026 LS1:
Since this object's orbit is still being refined and it will pass very close by, observers should follow the directions in the "Important Threads" post at the top of this forum section for instructions on how to download the latest elements into their minor planet database. Unfortunately ther's not much warning on this one.
Good Hunting,
Phil S.