2 hours ago
CNEOS predicts that the newly-discovered Apollo-class NEA, 2026 VG3, will make a close approach on 2026-Nov-07 00:00±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.00165 AU moving with V Relative=7.97 km/sec, H=27.6 magnitude, diameter 8.0 m - 18 m and "Rarity"=0. There is a 3 day observation arc, the Condition Code=7 and the Earth MOID=0.00124532 AU. The solution date was 2026-Nov-06 06:19:02 PST. The initial reported observation was by University of Arizona Catalina Sky Survey on 2026-11-05. The observation arc was extended by 1 observation at Palomar Mountain--ZTF on 2026 11 03.14 UT.
Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 Nov 6 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.21 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 VG3 will reach a peak brightness of 14.8 magnitude on November 6 at 1900 EST (November 7 at 0000 UT) with the NEA traveling through Eridanus at 250.4k km distant and 386"/minute, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio (40°N). This is also the Minimum Earth distance (Min Re). Visibility will be better from Europe.
Here's the Object Info dialog for 2026 VG3:
This is a newly-discovered object that will pass nearby so observers should follow the directions in the "Important Threads" at the top of this forum section to download orbital elements from JPL's HORIZONS system near their time of observation.
Good hunting,
Phil S.
Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 Nov 6 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.21 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 VG3 will reach a peak brightness of 14.8 magnitude on November 6 at 1900 EST (November 7 at 0000 UT) with the NEA traveling through Eridanus at 250.4k km distant and 386"/minute, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio (40°N). This is also the Minimum Earth distance (Min Re). Visibility will be better from Europe.
Here's the Object Info dialog for 2026 VG3:
This is a newly-discovered object that will pass nearby so observers should follow the directions in the "Important Threads" at the top of this forum section to download orbital elements from JPL's HORIZONS system near their time of observation.
Good hunting,
Phil S.