2023-01-23, 06:31 PM
CNEOS has updated the close approach info for 2023 BU after a second day's observations. The close approach is now predicted for 2023-Jan-27 00:17 ± 01:05 UT. The predicted distance is still 0.00007 AU. The condition code was reduced to 6. The MPC still lists the Uncertainty as 7.
Using MPC's elements updated for 2023 Jan 23 0000 UT, ST4v predicts that the close approach will occur on 2023 Jan 26 1800 EST (to the nearest hour) when 2023 BU is 11.4 magnitude, 28.4k km distant moving through Cancer at 104"/sec. The predicted close approach time is at the edge of CNEOS's error window. It will be easily visible from Europe, but North America is too far west. The close approach occurs in twilight here at 83°W.
Parallax will affect the apparent position, so you'll need to download the elements from the MPC & calculate an ephemeris for your observing location.
Good hunting,
Phil S.
Using MPC's elements updated for 2023 Jan 23 0000 UT, ST4v predicts that the close approach will occur on 2023 Jan 26 1800 EST (to the nearest hour) when 2023 BU is 11.4 magnitude, 28.4k km distant moving through Cancer at 104"/sec. The predicted close approach time is at the edge of CNEOS's error window. It will be easily visible from Europe, but North America is too far west. The close approach occurs in twilight here at 83°W.
Parallax will affect the apparent position, so you'll need to download the elements from the MPC & calculate an ephemeris for your observing location.
Good hunting,
Phil S.