2 hours ago
CNEOS predicts the close approach of the recently discovered Amor-class NEA, 2026 SC13, on 2026-Sep-28 02:10±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.01982 AU moving with V Relative=12.40 km/sec, H=22.7 magnitude, diameter 77 m - 170 m and 'Rarity'=1. There is currently a 3 day observation arc, the Condition Code=8 and the Earth MOID=0.0197293 AU. The solution date was 2026-Sep-27 06:16:48 PDT. The initial reported observation was by ATLAS Chile, Rio Hurtado on 2026-09-23. This approach distance is very nearly the minimum possible.
Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 September 27 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.22 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 SC13 will reach a peak brightness of 14.5 magnitude on September 28 near 0000 EDT (0400 UT) with the NEA 0.020 AU distant traveling through Pisces at ~52"/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 Sep 27 2200 EDT (Sep 28 0200 UT) with the NEA 0.020 AU distant traveling through Pisces at 14.5 magnitude and 51.7"/minute. 2026 SC13 should also be visible in Pegasus on the evening of September 28-29 at ~15 magnitude. The NEA will pass ~2° west of Neptune near midnight EDT on the 28th.
Here's the object Info dialog for 2026 SC13:
Since the orbit for this object isn't well defined, observers should follow the instructions in the "Important Threads" post at the top of this forum section to download orbital elements closer to their time of observation.
Good hunting,
Phil S.
Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 September 27 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.22 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 SC13 will reach a peak brightness of 14.5 magnitude on September 28 near 0000 EDT (0400 UT) with the NEA 0.020 AU distant traveling through Pisces at ~52"/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 Sep 27 2200 EDT (Sep 28 0200 UT) with the NEA 0.020 AU distant traveling through Pisces at 14.5 magnitude and 51.7"/minute. 2026 SC13 should also be visible in Pegasus on the evening of September 28-29 at ~15 magnitude. The NEA will pass ~2° west of Neptune near midnight EDT on the 28th.
Here's the object Info dialog for 2026 SC13:
Since the orbit for this object isn't well defined, observers should follow the instructions in the "Important Threads" post at the top of this forum section to download orbital elements closer to their time of observation.
Good hunting,
Phil S.