2021-10-08, 08:02 PM
When I do the updates to the MP database, I have ST4v set to today's date when I open the program. That's how the preferences are set. I update the full DB from the MPC every 7-10 days & the NEAs at Today's Epoch every 2-3 days. The epoch of the elements for the full MPC download is still 2021 July 4.
After the MP database is updated, I run the DBPS for MPs <0.05 AU 2 days in the future. That search returned 34 hits on Oct 6 searching for MPs on Oct 9. There were 7-10 new ones.
Next I run the ST4v ephemeris for each new MP in the Observing List & create a Quick Log entry of the Max Brightness & corresponding Earth Distance (Re) predicted. I also include the Min Re if that occurs at a different time from the Max brightness, if it's a daylight pass, visible from the southern hemisphere, etc. I run the ephemeris calculation for 30 days starting about 10 days in the past so I can be disappointed when the close approach occurred before the thing was first observed. This isn't uncommon, as you well know. I also check my results against the CNEOS website. Agreement is very good. If they have one that's not on my list, I know it's time to repeat the download of the NEAs at Today's Epoch again, then the new one usually is on the DBPS list.
I find this to be more rewarding than keeping up with today's events :-).
Hope this helps,
Phil S.
After the MP database is updated, I run the DBPS for MPs <0.05 AU 2 days in the future. That search returned 34 hits on Oct 6 searching for MPs on Oct 9. There were 7-10 new ones.
Next I run the ST4v ephemeris for each new MP in the Observing List & create a Quick Log entry of the Max Brightness & corresponding Earth Distance (Re) predicted. I also include the Min Re if that occurs at a different time from the Max brightness, if it's a daylight pass, visible from the southern hemisphere, etc. I run the ephemeris calculation for 30 days starting about 10 days in the past so I can be disappointed when the close approach occurred before the thing was first observed. This isn't uncommon, as you well know. I also check my results against the CNEOS website. Agreement is very good. If they have one that's not on my list, I know it's time to repeat the download of the NEAs at Today's Epoch again, then the new one usually is on the DBPS list.
I find this to be more rewarding than keeping up with today's events :-).
Hope this helps,
Phil S.