Close Approach of 2023 LM1

[PMSchu]

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEO, 2023 LM1, will make a close approach on 2023-Jun-15 22:51±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.00074 AU, V Relative=9.18 km/sec, H=28.4 magnitude, diameter 5.5 m - 12 m, 'Rarity'=1. The Condition Code=7 with a  1 day observation arc. The Earth MOID=0.000795779 AU. This small object was first observed by Mt. Lemmon Survey on 2023-06-14.

Using MPC's elements for 2023 Jun 15 0000 UT, ST4v predicts that 2023 LM1 will reach a maximum brightness of 16 magnitude on Jun 15 1700 EDT (2100 UT) at a distance of 130.1k km when the NEO is predicted to be moving through Carina at 12.8"/sec in daylight below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. Close approach (to the nearest hour) is predicted to occur Jun 15 1900 EDT (2300 UT) with the NEO 114.8k km distant, 16.4 magnitude, moving through Dorado at 15.7"/sec! Unfortunately it's still in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus. This is a real screamer with very little advance warning. Hopefully someone will be able to observe it.

Here's the Object Info dialog for this MP:     

This object will be very close so parallax will affect the apparent position relative to the stars. You'll need to download the elements from the MPC so that SkyTools can plot the correct position on your charts.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

[Dennis]

Hi Phil

Thanks for the heads up, but sadly I missed this by 24 hours .

Cheers

Dennis

[PMSchu]

Hi Dennis,

I was afraid that might be the case. I can never remember if you folks are ahead or behind us. There's another new discovery, 2023 LV1, that's making it's close approach 2023-Jun-17 06:26±<00:01 UT according to CNEOS. It's another southern hemisphere object with a maximum predicted brightness of 16.1 magnitude on 2023 Jun 18 0600 EDT (0200 UT).

Phil S.

[Dennis]

Hi Phil

The irony is that I was actually outdoors imaging on the best night (chasing Quasars) for LM1, but didn't see the message until the day after.

Oh well, next time eh.

Cheers

Dennis