Close Approach of 2023 BN6

[PMSchu]

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEO 2023 BN6 will make a close approach on 2023-Feb-04 08:30 ± 00:30 UT at a distance of 0.00514AU. H=25.2 magnitude, V relative=7.50 km/sec, 'Rarity' =1, Condition Code = 7.  This MP was discovered at ATLAS South Africa, Sutherland on 2023-01-26.

Using MPC's elements for January 30 2023 00:00 UT, ST4v predicts that this MP will reach a peak brightness of 14.0 magnitude on February 3 at 1000 EST when the NEO will be moving through Cancer at 86.5"/sec at 906.1k km distance, but in daylight & below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. Close approach (to the nearest hour) is predicted to occur on February 4 at 0400 EST (0900 UT) when 2023 BN6 at 15.0 magnitude will be moving through Ursa Major at 115.8"/sec, 774.8k km distant. This NEO will be brighter than 15 Mag Feb 3@0100 to Feb 4@0400 EST. The Minimum Re time should get better determined in the next few days as more observations are obtained.

Here's an Interactive Atlas chart showing the predicted position of 2023 BN6 on November 17-18 as seen from Columbus, Ohio:     

Since this NEO will get very close, parallax will affect the predicted positions, so you'll need to make charts for your location to get accurate positions for this object.

Good hunting.

Phil S.

[PMSchu]

The elements for this object have been refined with additional observations. CNEOS now predicts the close approach at  2023-Feb-04 08:25 ± 00:03 UT. The distance, etc. are unchanged.

This ST4v OI dialog shows the affects of the orbit refinement with the newer elements:     

Good hunting,

Phil S.

[bigmasterdrago]

Using current MPC elements. When closest to me (1.9LD) - Feb 4 8:21UT it will be 68° high in the NNW, magnitude 14.84, moving 2'/m. It will be a mag brighter (13.95, 2.35LD) when 18° below my horizon moving 1.5'/m.

Best for Sydney.

[PMSchu]

The orbit has been further refined. CNEOS now lists the close approach at  2023-Feb-04 08:23 ± 00:01 UT. The Condition Code is now 6.

Phil S.

[PMSchu]

The orbit has been further refined. CNEOS now lists the close approach at  2023-Feb-04 08:23 ± <00:01 UT. The Condition Code is still 6.

Using MPC's elements for 2023 Feb 2 0000 UT, ST4v predicts that the peak brightness will be 14.8 magnitude on 2023 Feb 3 at 1000 EST.

Phil S.