2025-09-01, 05:58 PM
CNEOS has updated the close approach prediction for recently discovered Apollo class NEO, 2025 QD8. Close approach is predicted on 2025-Sep-03 14:57±00:02 UT at a distance of 0.00146 AU moving with V Relative=12.80 km/sec, H=26.0 magnitude, diameter 17 m - 38 m and 'Rarity'=2. As of September 1 there is a 15 day observation arc, the Condition Code=7 and the Earth MOID=0.000846642 AU. The solution date was 2025-Sep-01 06:54:28 PDT. The observation arc was extended to Aug 16 by 12 observations by Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala on Aug 16, 17 and 24. The latest prediction is only 8 minutes earlier than the time predicted on August 28.
Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2025 Sep 1 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.16 Visual Pro predicts that 2025 QD8 will reach a peak brightness of 13.6 magnitude on Sep 3 at 0600 EDT (1000UT) at a distance of 317.6k km traveling through Pisces at 335"/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on Sep 3 at 1100 EDT (1500 UT) with the NEO traveling through Andromeda at 14.1 magnitude and 11.8"/second, but in daylight in Columbus, Ohio. The best views of the close approach will be from Hawaii, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. It will be brighter than 14.5 magnitude and fast on the morning of Sep 3; however, so still very impressive.
Here's the updated Object Info dialog for 2025 QD8:
Since this MP will pass very close and the orbit is still being refined, observers should follow the directions in the "Important" thread at the top of this forum section for instructions on downloading orbital elements close to their time of observation.
Good hunting,
Phil S.
Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2025 Sep 1 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.16 Visual Pro predicts that 2025 QD8 will reach a peak brightness of 13.6 magnitude on Sep 3 at 0600 EDT (1000UT) at a distance of 317.6k km traveling through Pisces at 335"/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on Sep 3 at 1100 EDT (1500 UT) with the NEO traveling through Andromeda at 14.1 magnitude and 11.8"/second, but in daylight in Columbus, Ohio. The best views of the close approach will be from Hawaii, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. It will be brighter than 14.5 magnitude and fast on the morning of Sep 3; however, so still very impressive.
Here's the updated Object Info dialog for 2025 QD8:
Since this MP will pass very close and the orbit is still being refined, observers should follow the directions in the "Important" thread at the top of this forum section for instructions on downloading orbital elements close to their time of observation.
Good hunting,
Phil S.