Close approach of (85713) 1998 SS49

[PMSchu]

CNEOS predicts that this large NEO will make a close approach on 2022-Nov-21 17:11 ± < 00:01 UT at a distance of 0.14137 AU. H=15.8 magnitude, V relative=21.36 km/sec, 'Rarity'=2 & Condition Code=0. This is a large object, 3.484±0.789 km so it's already 15.5 magnitude according to ST4v despite still being 0.4 AU distant. I thought that it might be interesting to keep an eye on it as it approaches.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch October 23 00:00 UT, ST4v predicts that this NEO will reach a maximum brightness of 14.1 magnitude from November 13-18 traveling from Lynx into Ursa Major at ~10"/min. The light curve is quite flat since the MP is large & 0.14-0.15 AU distant at that time.

Here's an Interactive Atlas chart showing the predicted path of this NEO from 2022 October 19-November24 for Columbus, Ohio: [attachment=2551]

Good hunting,

Phil S.

[PMSchu]

According to ST4v using MPC's elements for 2022 Nov 7 00:00 UT, this object is predicted to be 14.5 magnitude moving through Auriga at 5.6"/min. It is still 0.2 AU distant.

Clear skies,

Phil S.

[bigmasterdrago]

This big rock, as expected remains bright for a good bit of time. Mag 14.1 from Nov 12th 16:00 local to Nov 19th 2 local. Good viewing opportunities occur predawn from the 12th thru the 20th, then it dims into the mid 14s but staying high in the north predawn. Might be another hit object on my calendar.