2023 DZ2

[PMSchu]

Yes, when the NEO was moving slower, the effects of our rotation was much more noticable on its apparent position. Parallax in action at 0.03 AU. Here's an update on the close approach of 2023 DZ2 in the form of an ST4v Object Info dialog:     

The OI dialog shows the results of ST4v's ephemeris calculations using MPC's elements for 2023 Mar 19 & 21. The gradual refinement of the orbit & positions are apparent. Data from CNEOS for each day are also included. Estimates of the diameter are gradually decreasing. The initial upper size bound of 110 m is now down to 93 m. The incredibly shrinking rock  . The absolute magnitude parameter, H, has increased from 23.5 to 24.0 to reflect the smaller size.

I really hope that the weather cooperates Down Under. Our forecast calls for rain through Saturday night.

Phil S.

[Dennis]

Hi Phil

It's not looking too promising for Brisbane with rain (blue area) predicted over the weekend.

However, will try for Friday night weather permitting.

Cheers

Dennis

   

[Bobbo]

Hi Phil

It's not looking too promising for Brisbane with rain (blue area) predicted over the weekend.

However, will try for Friday night weather permitting.

Cheers

Dennis

Currently in WA (that's Western Australia not Washington state) and our Summer appears to have chosen to end this weekend. I cannot believe it. A small group of us were going to have a shot at it, but instead it will be pints all round. 

[Dennis]

Hi Folks

I checked outside and it looked clear so I did a quick set up and the first images are downloading right now.

I checked a couple and I think I can see 2023 DZ as I Blink the frames.

More to come.

Cheers

Dennis

[PMSchu]

Dennis,

I hope that you've captured this NEO, it sure won't be visible from Ohio. Here's the latest update using MPC's elements for 2023 Mar 23:     

Note that there was a Copy/Paste error for CNEOS's Earth MOID value for March 21 in the earlier update. The correct value is 4.77653E-5 au. I omitted the negative sign in the exponent  . It's been corrected in the current update.

The predicted peak brightness is now 10 magnitude as the NEO's estimated diameter continues to be reduced with additional observations. It's still going to be the brightest close approach of the last few years since I've been following these events. It's the second 'Rarity'=3 event that's occurred in the past several months. We've also been hit twice & the moon was recently hit once.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

[Dennis]

Okay, here is a quick and dirty process of the trail of 2023 DZ2, showing a full res 1600x1600 crop taken from the full frame (6280x4210).

2023 DZ2
23/03/2023 Brisbane, QLD.
Tak Mewlon 210 F11.5
Tak x0.8 Reducer
Focal length: 2170mm at F10.3 (according to plate solve).
QHY268M Pro
68 x 30 secs

UTC: 2023-03-23T09:46 to 2023-03-23T10:28
Local: 2023-03-23 19:46 to 20:28 AEST (UT+10)

Astrometry.net results for 1600x1600 crop.
Center (RA, Dec): (123.466, 19.180)
Center (RA, hms): 08h 13m 51.872s
Center (Dec, dms): +19° 10' 46.844"
Size: 9.52 x 9.52 arcmin
Radius: 0.112 deg
Pixel scale: 0.357 arcsec/pixel
Orientation: Up is 179.6 degrees E of N

Cheers

Dennis

   

   

[Dennis]

After 2023 DZ2 crossed the Meridian, I thought I would try a series of 60 sec exposures whilst Tracking on the NEO using the Mount SW function for that capability.

As I had set up in a rush and skipped running the Mount Alignment process, the Tracking on 2023 DZ2 wasn't that good.

However, I was able to rescue 16 Frames and then Aligned on the stars, with the result that we see 2023 DZ2 as a series of dots along its trail.

Same set up as my previous post, but with 60 sec exposures. These are full res 1600x1600 crops from the RAW full frame.

Cheers

Dennis

   

   

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For this version, I Combined the 16 sub-frames using the Average Mode and then also the Maximum Mode as a new frame.
 
The Average Mode produced better looking stars as the algorithm rejected the outliers, but produced a fainter trail of 2023 DZ2.
 
The Maximum Mode displayed the maximum value of all pixels so whilst 2023 DZ2 appears brighter, the star shapes are elongated.
 
In PS CC, I combine the Average Star Field with the Maximum 2023 DZ2 Trail to then get the best of both worlds.
 
Cheers
 
Dennis

   

   

[PMSchu]

Thanks Dennis, those are very nice images. That was some clever post processing to compensate for the mount misalignment.

I'm glad someone was able to observe this NEO's close approach, even if it wasn't at close approach. Most of them never get this bright even when at their best. This one was pretty special.

Phil S.

[Dennis]

Thanks Phil, I tried again last night (Fri) when 2023 DZ was predicted to be around mag 15.4 but the clouds moved in.

It also looks like we'll be clouded out tonight (Sat) for the close approach, so it was good that I had the opportunity on Thursday.

Cheers

Dennis

[PMSchu]

At least there are some 'Rarity' 2 events coming up in April. (436774) 2012 KY3 makes a close approach on Apr 13 in Grus. 2004 GA makes a close approach on Mar 30. It's brightest on April 4 at 15.9 magnitude in Leo when the full moon interferes. This isn't a 'Rarity' 2 event though. I'll provide more details later.

Phil S.

Here's a link to an article about 2023 DZ2: https://phys.org/news/2023-03-large-aste...hance.html