2021-09-27, 10:30 PM
Hi razvan,
I use the Database Power Search (DBPS) to search for MPs that are predicted to pass within 0.05 AU 2 days in the future. Greg doesn't recommend using the DBPS for this application, but I'm retired & consider it a fun endeavor
.
Nearly all the hits are too faint, but every so often a good one shows up. Using the CNEOS website to check for close approaches doesn't give the brightness or other necessary observing conditions that ST4 provides, so I like it. You do need to keep your MP database updated frequently - especially the NEA data at Today's Epoch from MPC.
After the DBPS I calculate ephemerides for each NEA to find max brightness & min earth distance (Re) to see what's observable in my 13" scope. I post the good ones here. BMD like fast movers, so the closer they get, the faster their relative motion.
Have to go now, but I'll provide more info if you like later.
Hope this helps,
Phil S.
I use the Database Power Search (DBPS) to search for MPs that are predicted to pass within 0.05 AU 2 days in the future. Greg doesn't recommend using the DBPS for this application, but I'm retired & consider it a fun endeavor
.Nearly all the hits are too faint, but every so often a good one shows up. Using the CNEOS website to check for close approaches doesn't give the brightness or other necessary observing conditions that ST4 provides, so I like it. You do need to keep your MP database updated frequently - especially the NEA data at Today's Epoch from MPC.
After the DBPS I calculate ephemerides for each NEA to find max brightness & min earth distance (Re) to see what's observable in my 13" scope. I post the good ones here. BMD like fast movers, so the closer they get, the faster their relative motion.
Have to go now, but I'll provide more info if you like later.
Hope this helps,
Phil S.