Not-so-close approach of (2100) Ra-Shalom

[PMSchu]

Hi MP Hunters,

There hasn't been much happening on the close approach front lately, so I decided to increase the CNEOS Earth Distance parameter (Re) to 0.2 AU to look for some large MPs (H<18). I found (2100) Ra-Shalom that's currently ~0.2 AU distant, H=16.4, 'Rarity'=1. Minimum Re is predicted to be 0.18733 AU on 2022 Aug 31 17:28 ± <00:01 UT. 

ST4v predicts that this NEO will reach a peak brightness of 14.0 magnitude on Sep 2-6. The light curve is very flat. The object is predicted to be brighter than 15.0 magnitude from Aug 16 to Sep 18, so it should already be visible to northern hemisphere observers with medium sized telescopes moving through Andromeda before it moves into Pegasus. The motion is ~5"/min.

Here's an Interactive Atlas chart showing the predicted path from Aug 17 - Sep 19 as seen from Columbus, OH: [attachment=2461]

There should be plenty of time to observe this one & it's quite bright (already predicted 15.1). It won't be quite as bright as (161989) Cacus, but could be a nice warm-up.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

[bigmasterdrago]

This big rock is best for me on the late night to midnight of August 31. Then, as you mentioned, several nights thereafter. Thanks big time for the heads up. Not even listed at Spaceweather.

[PMSchu]

Hi BMD,

The light curve for this NEO is so flat that 'best night' doesn't really apply. It keeps brightnening until Sep 2, remaining at 14th mag until Sep 6 then slowly fading. It's also visible all night long in the northern hemisphere, though highest after midnight. It should be apparent in a 13" scope. Unfortunately it's not a fast mover due to the distance.

We were just buzzed by 2022 QA that passed within 0.002 AU yesterday. There was no warning for that one. At close approach it was moving at 10.8"/sec in Draco. It reached a predicted 16 magnitude in Cygnus in daylight.

Oh well, WAFLAF.

Phil S.