2023-04-03, 04:23 PM
The orbit for 2023 FM has been refined. As of 2023 Apr 3, CNEOS now predicts that the close approach will occur on 2023-Apr-06 13:09±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.02007 AU moving at V Relative = 15.79 km/sec. H=21.7 magnitude, diameter 120 m - 270 m, 'Rarity'=1 and Condition Code=7 with an 18 day observation arc. The Earth MOID = 0.019936 AU.
Using MPC's elements for 2023 April 3 0000 UT, ST4v predicts that this NEO will reach a broad maximum brightness of 14.8 magnitude on the night of April 4/5 when it will be moving through Coma Berenices into Bootes at ~50"/min. The close approach is predicted to occur (to the nearest hour) on 2023 Apr 6 at 1100 EDT when the NEO will be 15.4 magnitude moving through Bootes at 65"/min in daylight as not seen from Columbus, Ohio. The full moon will interfere with observations, but not as much as with 2004 GA.
Here's the Object Info dialog for 2023 FM:
Good Hunting,
Phil S.
Using MPC's elements for 2023 April 3 0000 UT, ST4v predicts that this NEO will reach a broad maximum brightness of 14.8 magnitude on the night of April 4/5 when it will be moving through Coma Berenices into Bootes at ~50"/min. The close approach is predicted to occur (to the nearest hour) on 2023 Apr 6 at 1100 EDT when the NEO will be 15.4 magnitude moving through Bootes at 65"/min in daylight as not seen from Columbus, Ohio. The full moon will interfere with observations, but not as much as with 2004 GA.
Here's the Object Info dialog for 2023 FM:
Good Hunting,
Phil S.