Close Approach of 2025 DU2

[PMSchu]

CNEOS predicts that the newly-discovered NEO,2025 DU2 will make a close approach on 2025 March 5. Currently the Condition Code for this object is 8, so the orbit isn't very well defined. It's predicted to be best viewed from the southern hemisphere, but may be visible in a 13" telescope on the morning of March 5 in Virgo from Columbus, Ohio.

I'll post an update when the orbit is better defined.

Phil S.

[PMSchu]

Here's the update for the recently discovered NEO, 2025 DU2. 

CNEOS predicts that this object will make its close approach on 2025-Mar-06 01:29±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.00362 AU moving with V Relative=17.40 km/sec, H=24.3 magnitude, diameter 37 m - 84 m and 'Rarity'=2. There is currently a 14 day observation arc, the  Condition Code=7 and the Earth MOID=0.00156632 AU. The solution date was 2025-Mar-04 07:00:17 PST. The initial reported observation was by Pan-STARRS 2, Haleakala on 2025-02-20. This object is too small to make the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHA). It will make another close approach in March of 2058.

Using MPC's elements for 2025 Mar 4 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.14 Pro predicts that 2025 DU2 will reach a peak brightness of 14.5 magnitude on 2025 March 5 at 1600 EST 610.8 k km distant, traveling through Hydra at 313"/minute, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. Close approach (to the nearest hour) is predicted on 2025 Mar 5 at 2000 EST at a distance of 544.0 k km and 14.9 magnitude traveling through Norma at 397"/minute, but below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. It's predicted to be visible from Columbus in a 13" telescope on the morning of March 5 traveling through Virgo at ~80"/minute and 15.4  magnitude.

Here's the Object Info dialog for this NEO:     

Since this object will pass very close to earth, observers should use the latest orbital elements for the best accuracy.

Good hunting,

Phil S.