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Close Approach of (363790) 2005 JE46

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 19:17:59 +0000

CNEOS predicts that the kilometer-sized, Apollo-class, NEA, (363790) 2005 JE46 will make a close approach on 2026-Nov-13 19:58±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.05145 AU moving with V Relative=14.73 km/sec, H=17.9 magnitude, diameter 720 m - 1.6 km and 'Rarity'=2. As of 2026 Aug 25, there was a 15355 day observation arc, the Condition Code=0 and the Earth MOID=0.0289776 AU. The solution date was 2026-Aug-25 07:23:07 PDT. Discovered 2005-05-10 by LINEAR at Socorro. This object is on the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can download using SkyTools.. The observation arc was extended to 1984-06-22. There will be a closer approach on 2097-Nov-11 00:55±<00:01 UT at 0.02586 AU.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 Sep 25 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.21 Visual Pro predicts that (363790) 2005 JE46 will reach a peak brightness of 13.4 magnitude on the evening of 2026 November 15 with the NEA 0.055 AU distant traveling through Pegasus at ~20"/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 Nov 13 at 1600 EST (2100 UT) with the NEA 0.051 AU distant traveling through Pegasus at 13.8 magnitude and 23"/minute, but in daylight as seen from Columbus, Ohio (40°N). I just noticed that I only used a 4 hour difference between UT and EST instead of the correct 5 hours when determining the close approach time. I was still in EDT mode. (363790) 2005 JE46 should be brighter than 16 magnitude from November 7 in Aquila to December 6 in Taurus.

Here's the Object Info dialog for (363790) 2005 JE46:
Object Info for NEA (363790) 2005 JE46 (2026 November 13 1600 EST).jpg (Size: 179.55 KB / Downloads: 0)

The orbit for this NEA is well defined so the ephemeris predicted by MPC's orbital elements should yield accurate positions for this object.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Close Approach of 2001 KF54

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 17:42:50 +0000

CNEOS predicts that the medium-sized, Apollo-class, NEA, 2001 KF54 will make a close approach on 2026-Nov-06 03:38±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.04842 AU moving with V Relative 16.42 km/sec, H=19.8 magnitude, diameter 290 m - 650 m and 'Rarity'=1. As of 2026 June 9, there is a 9144 day observation arc, the Condition Code=0 and the Earth MOID=0.0206514 AU. The solution date was 2026-Jun-09 06:49:52 PDT. The initial reported observation was by Steward Observatory, Kitt Peak-Spacewatch on 2001-05-26. This object is on the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can download using SkyTools. There will be another close approach on 2062-Jul-04 19:16±<00:01 UT at 0.03214 AU.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 October 13 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.21 Visual Pro predicts that 2001 KF54 will reach a peak brightness of 15.4 magnitude on November 9 ~2200 EST (November 10 ~0300 UT) with the NEA traveling through Cetus at 0.061 AU distant and 17"/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on November 5 at 2300 EST (0400 UT) with the NEA traveling through Grus 0.048 AU distant at 15.9 magnitude and 28"/minute on the horizon as seen from Columbus, Ohio (40°N). 2001 KF54 is predicted to be brighter than 16 magnitude from November 5 (in Grus) to November 14 (in Cetus).

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2001 KF54:
Object Info for NEA 2001 KF54 (2026 November 5 2300 EST).jpg (Size: 167.46 KB / Downloads: 0)

The orbit for 2001 KF54 is well defined and the approach distance is large enough that the orbital elements from the MPC should be accurate. The NEA is currently in Scorpius in daylight, but may be reacquired nearer to the close approach and the orbit will be refined further. I'll post an update if this occurs.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Close Approach of (524522) Zoozve

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 18:03:42 +0000

CNEOS predicts that the medium-sized, Aten-class NEA, (524522) Zoozve will make a close approach on 2026-Nov-02 19:10±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.04023 AU moving with V Relative=8.72 km/sec, H=20.5 magnitude, diameter 210 m - 460 m and 'Rarity'=1. As of 2023 Sep 25 there is a 7622 day observation arc, the Condition Code=0 and the Earth MOID=0.025508 AU. The solution date was 2023-Sep-25 06:27:52 PDT. Discovered 2002-Nov-11 by LONEOS at Anderson Mesa. This is a PHA.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 Sep 25, ST4.1.11.21 Visual Pro predicts that (524522) Zoozve will reach a peak brightness of 15.6 magnitude on November 3 at 2100 EST with the NEA 0.041 AU distant traveling through Lacerta at 18"/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 Nov 2 at 1400 EST (2000 UT) with the NEA traveling through Cassiopeia at 15.6 magnitude and 17"/minute in daylight.

Here's the Object Info dialog for (524522) Zoozve:
Object Info for NEA (524522) Zoozve (2026 November 2 1400 EST).jpg (Size: 166.53 KB / Downloads: 0)

The orbit for this NEA is well defined, but it hasn't been observed since 2023 Sep 24 so there may be some slight corrections to the predicted positions after it's reacquired.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Close Approach of 2026 TG9

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 18:19:13 +0000

CNEOS predicts that the newly-discovered, small, Apollo-class NEA, 2026 TG9, will make a close approach on 2026-Oct-14 04:57±00:21 UT at a distance of 0.00152 AU moving with V Relative=11.63 km/sec, H=27.0 magnitude, diameter 10 m - 23 m and 'Rarity'=1. As of October 10, there is a 1 day observation arc, the Condition Code=8 and the Earth MOID=0.000777625 AU. The solution date was 2026-Oct-10 12:12:02 PDT. The initial reported observation was by University of Arizona Mt. Lemmon Survey on 2026-10-09. This object is too small to make the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs).

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 Oct 11 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.21 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 TG9 will reach a peak brightness of 14.6 magnitude on October 13 2200 EDT (October 14 0200 UT) with the NEA traveling through Triangulum at ~480"/minute at 263k km distant. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 October 14@0100 EDT (0500 UT) with the NEA traveling through Perseus at 15.1 magnitude and 10.4"/second and 230.6k km distant. The NEA passes close to Algol on October 13 ~2320 EDT as seen from Columbus, Ohio.

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2026 TG9:
Object Info for NEA 2026 TG9 (2026 October 14 0100 EDT).jpg (Size: 155.05 KB / Downloads: 1)

Here's the predicted path for 2026 TG9:
Interactive Atlas 2026 TG9 2026 October 13 2000 EDT - October 14 0600 EDT.jpg (Size: 422.79 KB / Downloads: 2)

The observation arc for this object is only 1 day, so the orbit is still uncertain. Observers should follow the instructions in the "Important Threads" section of this forum section for instructions for downloading orbital elements from JPL's HORIZONS system near their time of observation.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Total number of shots per filter

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:49:08 +0000

I am just starting to use SkyTools and have begun to get my round most of it.

I use Voyager (Advanced) and that does all the scheduling. All I need is a total number of shots per exposure per filter when I've calculated whatg I want for a target. Then all I need to do is plug that into Voyager. I cannot find anywhere in SkyTools wherfe a summary is given.I can see total time per filter, I can see how it would want to split across multiple nights but all I want is a summary as above.

Is there anywhere that shows me the summary?

Thanks

paul

Close Approach of 2026 SC13

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 17:39:15 +0000

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:
Object Info for NEA 2026 SC13 (2026 September 27 2200 EDT).jpg (Size: 158.76 KB / Downloads: 0)

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.

Possible Close Approach of 2017 TE2

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 18:11:07 +0000

There is a possible bright close approach of the Apollo-class NEA, 2017 TE2, on 2026 Oct 1 ~1500 EDT (1900 UT) at a distance of 826.1k km moving through Aquila at 207"/minute and 14.8 magnitude, but in daylight as seen from Columbus, Ohio. Peak brightness is 14.2 magnitude on the evening of 2026 Oct 1-2 with the NEA traveling through Delphinus, Equuleus and into Pegasus at ~165-150"/minute. ST4.1.11.22 Visual Pro used MPC's elements for the epoch 2026 Sep 23 0000 UT.

This NEA is not listed as a close approach by CNEOS or MPC, but is listed by astro.vanbuitenen.nl on 2026 Oct 1 at 0.006 AU and 14.8 mag. The CNEOS Orbit Viewer shows 0.033 AU on 2026 Sep 28 0000 UT (Epoch 2458040.5 (2017-Oct-14.0) TDB) with a solution date 2023-Mar-01 06:04:42 Pacific Time.

Here's the Object Info for 2017 TE2:
Object Info for NEA 2017 TE2 (2026 October 1 1500 EDT).jpg (Size: 150.52 KB / Downloads: 0)

As the time of close approach nears, the pros may recover 2017 TE2 and refine the orbit further. CNEOS lists a Condition Code=8 with a 20 day observation arc from 2017-10-3 to 2017-10-23.

I'll provide an update nearer to the close approach. Hopefully it's spotted before close approach as it's currently in the sun's glare..

Phil S.

I took the leap

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 14:46:17 +0000

Previously I used ST4 for planning and getting observing lists, which I used with printed charts at my scope. But last night, I decided to use ST4 for my observing. Having the naked eye view, the finder view, and the eyepiece view all on the screen, along with the suggested context method of star hopping, made it pretty easy to find objects and log impressions while fresh in my mind. I never had use for my red flashlight.

I did not use all the advised methods of screen reddening, but mine were good enough. See screenshot.
sample.png (Size: 275.09 KB / Downloads: 6)

Close Approach of 2026 RG15

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 18:06:18 +0000

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered Apollo-class, NEA, 2026 RG15, will make a close approach on 2026-Sep-15 07:36±01:23 UT at a distance of 0.00063 AU moving with V Relative=9.13 km/sec, H=25.8 magnitude, diameter 19 m - 42 m and 'Rarity'=2. As of September 13 there is only a 0.8 day observation arc, the Condition Code=8 and the Earth MOID=0.000229139 AU. The solution date was 2026-Sep-13 05:23:30 PDT. The initial reported observation was by ATLAS Chile, Rio Hurtado on 2026-09-12.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 Sep 13 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.21 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 RG15 will reach a peak brightness of 13.8 magnitude on September 15 at ~0200 EDT (0600 UT) at a distance of 113.8k km traveling through Scorpius at 13.5 "/second, but below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio (40°N). Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 September 15 at 0400 EDT (0800 UT) with the NEA traveling through Libra at 14.6 magnitude and 17"/second, but still below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. This object will be best observed from the southern hemisphere, weather permitting.

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2026 RG15:
Object Info for NEA 2026 RG15 (2026 September 15 0400 EDT).jpg (Size: 163.98 KB / Downloads: 0)

Since the observation arc for this newly discovered object is currently shorter than one day, the orbit is still very uncertain. Observers should refer to the directions in the "Important Threads" post at the top of this forum section for instructions on downloading the most recent orbital elements from the HORIZONS system accessible through CNEOS. Hopefully another night of observations will improve the accuracy sufficiently to find it.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Need help moving an observing list from SkyTools 4 to SkySafari

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:29:32 +0000

I can create the SkySafari export from SkyTools 4 without any problem, but I am stuck on what to do with the file afterward.
The export appears to be created correctly and I can see the files on my computer, but I cannot figure out the proper way to get that list into SkySafari on my iPad. Do I need to transfer the file through the Apple Files app, connect the iPad to my PC, or use another method?
I have searched through the SkyTools 4 help and tried looking for instructions, but I still cannot find a clear step by step explanation for the final part of the process. If anyone has done this recently, could you explain how you transferred fnf the exported observing list into SkySafari?

Impact of 2026 RW1

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:06:18 +0000

The small Aten-class NEA, 2026 RW1 entered the atmosphere on 2026 Sep 6 1607 UTC over the Indian Ocean. Here's an article describing the event:

https://watchers.news/2026/09/07/asteroi...-impactor/

ST4.1.11.21 predicted a peak brightness of 14.8 magnitude at 12.91k km distance at 1200 EDT(1600 UTC).

Phil S.

Star ID

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 17:31:52 +0000

What star catalogue is used for the stars that use identifiers like j003742.2-324244?

It is a star that is in the ring of the Cartwheel galaxy. It comes up as a GSC nonstar in some other software.

Kenneth Drake

ST4 observing list to Argo Navis?

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 20:31:28 +0000

Seems like there should be an export option to create a file of an observing list that I can transfer to an Argo Navis user catalog using the Argonaut software but I can't find it. I would like to use ST4 to create lists but use Argo Navis to supply push-to instructions, instead of SkyTools. I find that the light from my laptop impairs my dark adaptation and find the cable between the laptop and telescope annoying.

Does such an option exist?

Jon

Close Approach of 2017 BP31

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:28:55 +0000

CNEOS predicts that the large, Apollo-class, NEA 2017 BP31, will make a close approach on 2026-Aug-28 23:43±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.02860 AU moving with V Relative=20.45 km/sec, H=19.8 magnitude, diameter 290 m - 640 m and 'Rarity'=2. As of 2023 Oct 15 there was a 2451 day observation arc, the Condition Code=0 and the Earth MOID=0.0231043 AU. The solution date was 2023-Oct-15 06:50:05 PDT. Initial reported observation was by Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala on 2017-01-27. This NEA is on the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can download using SkyTools. There will be another close approach on 2091-Mar-10 11:28± 03:03 UT at 0.02312 AU very close to the MOID value.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 Aug 23 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.21 Visual Pro predicts that 2017 BP31 will reach a peak brightness of 14.6 magnitude on August 30 at 0200 EDT (0600 UT) at a distance of 0.032 AU traveling through Indus at 46.6"/minute, but below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio (40°N). The close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 Aug 28@2000 EDT (Aug 29 0000 UT) with the object 0.029 AU distant traveling through Chamaeleon at 15 magnitude and 58"/minute, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus. This is a southern hemisphere object, weather permitting.

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2017 BP31:
Object Info for NEA 2017 BP31 (2026 August 28 2000 EDT).jpg (Size: 167.67 KB / Downloads: 0)

Since the orbit of this NEA is well defined, the orbital elements provided by the MPC should yield accurate positions.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Close Approach of (221455) 2006 BC10

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 17:28:09 +0000

CNEOS predicts that the large, Apollo-class, NEA, (221455) 2006 BC10, will make a close approach on 2026-Aug-28 15:47±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.02396 AU moving with V Relative=19.00 km/sec, H=19.5 magnitude, diameter 330 m - 740 m and 'Rarity'=2. As of 2026 Jan 22, there is a 7303 day observation arc, the Condition Code=0 and the Earth MOID=0.00575443 AU. The solution date was 2026-Jan-22 05:49:02 PST. Discovered 2006-01-23 by Spacewatch at Kitt Peak This NEA is on the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can downlosd using SkyTools.
The next close approach to earth on 2052-Mar-19 04:02 ± 00:02 (TDB) will be close to the Earth MOID at 0.00783 AU. Unfortunately the osculating orbital elements available now don't give accurate positions that far in the future.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 Aug 4 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.21 Visual Pro predicts that (221455) 2006 BC10 will reach a peak brightness of 13.8 magnitude on 2026 Aug 29 at 2300 EDT traveling through Telescopium at 0.029 AU distant and 44"/minute, but on the horizon as seen from Columbus, Ohio (40°N). Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 Aug 28 at 1200 EDT (1600 UT) with the NEA 0.024 AU distant traveling through Norma at 14.4 magnitude and 66"/minute, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus. This object will be best observed from the southern hemisphere. It should be visible in a 13" telescope from 40°N from August 30 (in Microscopium) to September 8 (in Aquarius).

Here's the Object Info dialog for (221455) 2006 BC10:
Object Info for NEA (221455) 2006 BC10 (2026 August 28 1200 EDT).jpg (Size: 174.25 KB / Downloads: 0)

The orbit for this object is well defined, so the orbital elements available from MPC should yield accurate positions.

Good hunting,

Phil S.