Close Approach of 2024 EF

[PMSchu]

CNEOS reports that the newly discovered minor planet 2024 EF will make a close approach on 2024-Mar-04 07:02±00:06 UT at a distance of 0.00039 AU. The NEO is predicted to be moving at 8.63 km/sec. H=28.8 magnitude, diameter is 4.5 m - 10 m and 'Rarity'=1. There's only a 1 day observation arc; however, the Condition Code=7, and the Earth MOID=0.000818429 AU. The initial reported observation was by Mt. Lemmon Survey on 2024-03-02.

Using orbital elements downloaded from the Minor Planet Center (MPC) on 2024 March 3, ST4v 4.0.11.02 predicts that 2024 EF will reach a maximum brightness of 13.9 magnitude on 2024 March 4 0100 EST when it will be traveling through Virgo at 20.4 "/sec as seen from the Columbus, Ohio area.

Here's the Object Info dialog for this object:     

Since this NEO will be so close, anyone wishing to observe it should download the elements from MPC & calculate the ephemeris for their location. For the best accuracy download elements from JPL's HORIZONS website for the time of the close approach and upload those elements into SkyTools by editing the elements for 2024 EF in the MP database.

Good hunting,

Phil S.