Close Approach of 2024 EG2

[PMSchu]

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEO 2024 EG2 will make a close approach on 2024-Mar-12 02:11±00:04 UT at a distance of 0.00429 AU with a V relative=19.59 km/sec, H=25.8 magnitude, diameter of 19 m - 42 m and 'Rarity'=1. The orbit was calculated using a 5 day observation arc, Condition Code=8 and Earth MOID=0.00355922 AU. The initial reported observation was by Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala on 2024-03-06.

Using elements downloaded from the Minor Planet Center (MPC) on 2024 March 7, ST4v predcts that 2024 EG2 will reach maximum brightness of 16.1 magnitude (to the nearest hour) on 2024 March 11 1600 EDT at 776.3 k km with the NEO moving through Hydra at 257"/min in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2024 March 11 2200 EDT at 643.2 k km moving through Canis Major at 383"/min and an estimated 16.7 magnitude.

This NEO is a fast one due to both the close approach distance and the high V relative velocity, although not as fast as 2024 EF which was a real screamer. Anyone wishing to observe this close approach should download the orbital elements from MPC in a few days after the orbit has been refined further with a longer observation arc. For even better accuracy download elements from JPL's HORIZONS website for the time near your observation time and edit the ST4v Minor Planet database to use those elements.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

[PMSchu]

CNEOS has refined the orbit of this NEO> The predicted close approach parameters as of 2024 March 9 are 2024-Mar-12 02:11±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.00429 AU and V relative=19.59 km/sec. H=25.8 magnitude, the diameter 18 m - 40 m and 'Rarity'=1. The orbit was refined over a 7 day observation arc. The Condition Code=8 and the Earth MOID=0.0035587 AU.

Using elements downloaded by SkyTools (NEAs at Today's Epoch) from the MPC on 2024 March 9, ST4v predicts that the close approach will occur (to the nearest hour) on 2024 March 11 2200 EDT with the NEO 642.4 k km distant at 16.8 magnitude traveling through Canis Major as seen from Columbus, Ohio. Maximum brightness of 16.2 magnitude is now predicted to occur on 2024 March 11 about 1600 EDT (the peak is several hours wide), with the NEO traveling through Hydra at ~260"/min in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus. This portion of the track is best visible for those down under (weather permitting  ). Observers in Japan should also be able to observe this close approach with a sufficiently large aperture telescope. This is beyond the reach of my 13" instrument.

Here's the Object Info dialog showing the predictions using elements for both March 7 and 9:     

This shows how the refinements to the orbital elements with additional observations change the particulars of the close approach slightly. This is a relatively close pass so parallax will be an issue. Anyone wishing to observe this NEO should download the elements from the MPC into SkyTools to get the most accurate ephemeris predictions of the close approach for their location. Refer to Greg's post at the top of this section for more information about the different options for minor planet elements.

Good hunting,

Phil S.