2021-09-03, 03:51 PM
Lesson learned maybe. I was using the finder chart I made with elements from the discovery page (68 observations August 31). This had the rock plotted 2' NW of the position using elements today. There are now 162 observations over a 3 day arc but still with an orbit uncertainty of 6. Had I refreshed/downloaded the latest elements, I may have had a better chance with an averted vision pick up. It was fun looking for it, as I had gotten very familiar with the field in Equuleus/Aquarius. While doing this, I got to revisit a few old friends (M15, M81/82, M13, Veil, Ring, Owl). Lesson learned - use the most recent orbital elements!
There is another opportunity to snag it late tonight into the morning hours of the 4th. It will only be marginally fainter (great phase angle) but moving about half the speed (60"/min). Still in my southern sky and lower than 24 hours ago, moving out of Aquarius into Cetus so light pollution is more of an issue. Again, moonrise not an issue.
There is another opportunity to snag it late tonight into the morning hours of the 4th. It will only be marginally fainter (great phase angle) but moving about half the speed (60"/min). Still in my southern sky and lower than 24 hours ago, moving out of Aquarius into Cetus so light pollution is more of an issue. Again, moonrise not an issue.