2024-06-28, 02:35 AM
Phil, Thanks for the updates.
I've been creating charts onscreen every night over the last several days. Each time getting osculating elements from Horizons and comparing the position with that of SkyTools. The error is getting smaller each time. My best observing window for 2024 MK is from 00:00CDT on June 29 to 03:00CDT. So a 3 hour window with the rock sliding across the Stinger of the Scorpion hovering ~19° up due south to 17° up SSW.
BTW, 9th mag 2024 MK will appulse 20 arc minutes from the center along the south edge of M7 at 03:00CDT on the 29th. A lot of bright comparison stars there. Along with NGC 6400 @2:10,
My plan is to grab UL21 at the beginning of Astronomical Twilight (22:00), then move on to hunting the other bright fast mover MK. Best plan I've had in years.
Weather conditions are predicted to be rather nice. Clear, ~80°, wind S@7Kt. Moon-rise 1:28CDT
I've been creating charts onscreen every night over the last several days. Each time getting osculating elements from Horizons and comparing the position with that of SkyTools. The error is getting smaller each time. My best observing window for 2024 MK is from 00:00CDT on June 29 to 03:00CDT. So a 3 hour window with the rock sliding across the Stinger of the Scorpion hovering ~19° up due south to 17° up SSW.
BTW, 9th mag 2024 MK will appulse 20 arc minutes from the center along the south edge of M7 at 03:00CDT on the 29th. A lot of bright comparison stars there. Along with NGC 6400 @2:10,
My plan is to grab UL21 at the beginning of Astronomical Twilight (22:00), then move on to hunting the other bright fast mover MK. Best plan I've had in years.
Weather conditions are predicted to be rather nice. Clear, ~80°, wind S@7Kt. Moon-rise 1:28CDT