Close Approach of (276049) CE26

[PMSchu]

CNEOS predicts that the kilometer-sized NEO, (276049) CE26, will make a close approach on 2024-Sep-11 14:07±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.17928 AU moving with V Relative=25.89 km/sec, H=16.7 magnitude, diameter 3.5±0.4 km and 'Rarity'=1. There is a 8278 day observation arc, the Condition Code=0 and the Earth MOID=0.0966314 AU. The solution date was 2024-Aug-25 05:48:53 PDT. This NEO was discovered at Socorro on 2002-02-10 by LINEAR. This object is approaching 16th magnitude and will have a broad light curve due to its large size and distance. It won't be a fast mover; however, due to the distance. This MP's MOID isn't close enough to make MPC's list of PHAs, but it's a big one.

Using MPC's elements for 2024 Aug 25 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.10 Visual predicts that this NEO will reach a peak brightness of 14.9 magnitude on the evenings of Sep 7-9 at a distance of 0.18 AU traveling through Aquila at ~11"/minute. Close approach is predicted to occur (to the nearest hour) on 2024 Sep 11 1000 EDT when the NEO is at a distance of 0.18 AU traveling through Sagittarius at 12"/minute in daylight, but below the horizon as seen from Columbus, Ohio.

Here's the Object Info dialog for this NEO:     

Good hunting,

Phil S.

[PMSchu]

Tonight, 2024 Sep 9, (276049) CE26 will be at peak brightness of 14.9 magnitude in Aquila near the border with Sagittarius, 0.2 AU distant traveling 11.8"/minute. It's less than 4° from the globular cluster Palomar 11, the Little Gem planetry nebula and Barnard's galaxy.

Good hunting,

Phil S.