Skyhound Forums - Observing Close Approaching Asteroids

Opposition of (4183) Cuno

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:22:23 -0400

I just downloaded the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) and noticed that the kilometer-sized, Apollo-class NEA, (4183) Cuno is at opposition on 2026 Jul 10. It's currently in Capricornus at 14.5 magnitude. Peak brightness of 14.4 magnitude is predicted in early July 2026. The light curve is very broad due to Cuno's distance of 0.5 AU. The diameter=3.651 km and H=14.18. Discovered 1959-06-05 by Hoffmeister, C. at Bloemfontei.

The moon will interfere around July 1 and will actually occult Cuno from locations in Central America. Columbus, Ohio is too far north for an occultation to occur. Cuno passes ~14.25' north of the moon at ~0100 EDT (0500 UT) on 2026 Jul 1. Observers in the southwestern USA will see it pass even closer.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Close Approach of 2026 LS1

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:41:26 -0400

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered, Apollo-class NEA, 2026 LS1, will make a close approach on 2026-Jun-13 06:48±00:02 UT at a distance of 0.00120 AU moving with V Relative=8.34 km/sec, H=26.7 magnitude, diameter 12 m - 27 m and 'Rarity'=1. As of June 12 there is a 0.31 day observation arc, the Condition Code=7, and the Earth MOID=0.00121053 AU. The solution date was 2026-Jun-12 08:12:02 PDT. The initial reported observation was by ATLAS Chile, Rio Hurtado on 2026-06-12. This NEA is too small to make the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can download using SkyTools.

Using MPC's orbital elements for 2026 June 9 0000 UT downloaded on 2026 June 12, ST4.1.11.20 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 LS1 will reach a peak brightness of 14.9 magnitude on Jun 12 at 2300 EDT (June 13 0300 UT) at a distance of 219.8k km traveling through Carina at 392"/minute, but below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 Jun 13 at 0300 EDT (0700 UT) with the NEA traveling through Carina at a distance of 184.7k km and 15.7 magnitude at ~510"/minute, but still below the horizon in Columbus. This object is best observed from the southern hemisphere.

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2026 LS1:
Object Info for NEA 2026 LS1 (2026 June 13 0300 EDT).jpg (Size: 160.32 KB / Downloads: 0)

Since this object's orbit is still being refined and it will pass very close by, observers should follow the directions in the "Important Threads" post at the top of this forum section for instructions on how to download the latest elements into their minor planet database. Unfortunately ther's not much warning on this one.

Good Hunting,

Phil S.

Close Approach of 2026 KB1

Fri, 29 May 2026 14:23:08 -0400

CNEOS predicts that the recently discovered Apollo-class NEA, 2026 KB1, will make a close approach on 2026-Jun-01 23:35±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.02620 AU moving with V Relative=13.51 km/sec, H=22.1 magnitude, diameter 99 m - 220 m and 'Rarity'=1. As of 29 May there is a 10 day observation arc, the Condition Code=8 and the Earth MOID=0.0229246 AU. The solution date was 2026-May-29 06:48:42 PDT The initial reported observation was by ATLAS Chile, Rio Hurtado on 2026-05-19. With an absolute magnitude (H) just above 22.0 magnitude, this NEA is too small to make the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can download using SkyTools. No future close approaches have been predicted.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 May 29 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.20 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 KB1 will make a close approach (to the nearest hour) on 2026 June 1 at 2000 EDT (June 2 0000 UT) traveling through Aquila at 15.8 magnitude and 43"/minute, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. Peak brightness of 15.6 magnitude occurs on the evening of May 31 and the morning of June 1 with the MP 0.027 AU distant traveling through Scutum at ~40"/minute. The full moon will interfere with observations of this NEA, unfortunately.

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2026 KB1:
Object Info for NEA 2026 KB1 (2026 June 1 2000 EDT).jpg (Size: 193.03 KB / Downloads: 1)

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Close Approach of 2026 KT2

Tue, 26 May 2026 13:33:43 -0400

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered Apollo-class NEA, 2026 KT2, will make a close approach on 2026-May-28 12:42±00:06 UT at a distance of 0.00523 AU moving with V Relative=11.52 km/sec, H=23.6 magnitude, diameter 51 m - 110 m and 'Rarity'=2. As of May 26 there is a 1 day observation arc, The Condition Code=8 and the Earth MOID=0.0039495 AU. The solution date was 2026-May-26 06:17:33 PDT. The initial reported observation was by MAPS, San Pedro de Atacama on 2026-05-24 the same group that discovered the comet MAPS. This object is too small to make the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can download using SkyTools. There aren't any future close approached predicted yet.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 May 26 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.20 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 KT2 will reach a peak brightness of 14.0 magnitude on the morning of May 28 traveling through Bootes at ~170 "/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 May 28 at 0900 EDT (1300 UT) with the MP still traveling through Bootes at 14.0 magnitude and 182"/minute, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. The moon will interfere with observations on the night of May 26-27.

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2026 KT2:
Object Info for NEA 2026 KT2 (2026 May 28 0900 EDT).jpg (Size: 162.32 KB / Downloads: 0)

The orbit is still being refined for this object, so observers should follow the instructions in the "Important Thread" posted at the top of this forum section for instructions on downloading orbital elements for fast changing orbits.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

NASA's Psyche Mission Had its Close Approach to Mars

Thu, 21 May 2026 18:55:01 -0400

NASA’s Psyche spacecraft completed its close approach of Mars on May 15, coming within 2,864 miles (4,609 kilometers) of the planet’s surface.

Here's a link to an article describing the Psyche mission:

https://www.nasa.gov/missions/psyche-mis...-asteroid/

Hope you find it interesting,

Phil S.

Close Approach of 2026 KB

Sun, 17 May 2026 12:21:00 -0400

CNEOS predicts that the recently discovered small Apollo-class NEA, 2026 KB, will make a close approach on 2026-May-18 15:15±< 00:01 UT at a distance of 0.00155 AU.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 May 17 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.20 Visual Pro predicts that this MP will reach a peak brightness of 15.0 magnitude on May 18 at ~0800 EDT (1300 UT) at a distance of 260.7k km traveling through Hydra at 390"/minute, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio.

This object will be best viewed from the southern hemisphere.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Close Approach of 2026 JH2

Tue, 12 May 2026 14:14:36 -0400

CNEOS predicts that the small Apollo class NEA, 2026 JH2 will make a close approach on 2026-May-18 21:23±06:16 UT at a distance of 0.00061 AU moving with V Relative=9.17 km/sec, H=26.1, diameter 16 m - 35 m and 'Rarity'=2. As of May 11 there was a 2 day observation arc, the Condition Code=9 and the Earth MOID=0.000602842 AU. The solution date was 2026-May-11 22:12:02 PDT. The initial reported observation was by Mt. Lemmon Survey on 2026-05-10.

Using orbital elements downloaded from the MPC for the epoch 2026 May 12 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.20 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 JH2 will reach a peak brightness of 11.6 magnitude on may 18 at 1800 EDT at a distance of 96.7k km traveling through Lupus at 18.4"/second in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. This NEA should look best from the southern hemisphere.

The orbit for this NEA is still being refined. I'll post an update in a few days. This object is one to keep an eye on, if it will be visible from your location.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

NASA Plans the NEO Surveyor Mission

Thu, 07 May 2026 16:11:31 -0400

Here's an article about a NASA space telescope designed to detect Near Earth Objects (NEOs):

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/nasa...05318.html

It uses IR cameras and has a 20" aperture.

Phil S.

Close Approach of (152637) 1997 NC1

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:17:42 -0400

The kilometer-sized Aten class NEA, (152637) 1997 NC1 is predicted to make a close approach on 2026 Jun 27. Maximum brightness is predicted to be 10.1 magnitude. I'll provide an update closer to the time of the event.

Phil S.

Close Approach of 2026 GD

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:30:12 -0400

CNEOS predicts that the newly-discovered NEA, 2026 GD, will make a close approach on 2026-Apr-09 23:00±00:10 UT at a distance of 0.00168 AU moving with V Relative=12.66 km/sec, H=26.6 magnitude, diameter 13 m - 29 m and 'Rarity'=1. As of April 7, there is a 1 day observation arc, the Condition Code=7 and the Earth MOID=0.00052541 AU. The solution date was 2026-Apr-07 00:42:03 PDT. The initial reported observation was by MAPS, San Pedro de Atacama on 2026-04-06. This is the same group of observers that discovered comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS).

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 Apr 7 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.20 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 GD will reach a peak brightness of 14.8 magnitude on April 9 at 1500 EDT (1900 UT) at a distance of 311.8k km traveling through Lupus at ~400"/minute, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 Apr 9 at 1900 EDT (2300 UT) at 253.0k km when the NEA will be traveling through Corona Australis at 15.5 magnitude and 10.3"/second, but still in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus. This object will be best visible from the southern hemisphere.

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2026 GD:
Object Info for NEO 2026 GD (2026 April 9 1900 EDT).jpg (Size: 159.61 KB / Downloads: 0)

The orbit for this NEA is still being refined. Observers should follow the directions in the "Important Threads" section for instruction on how to download the orbatal elements for the most accurate predictions.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Bright Bolide Visible Near Cleveland, Ohio on 2026 March 17

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:01:12 -0400

Here's an article about the bright bolide that was visible during daylight on St. Patrick's Day, March 17:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/susp...18509.html

NASA estimated that the asteroid was ~6 feet in diameter and weighed ~7 tons. It was observed from Wisconsin to Maryland and exploded with an energy of 250 tons of TNT. The sound was heard throughout northeastern Ohio.

This object doesn't appear to have been detected before it entered the atmosphere. I thought that some would find this interesting.

Phil S.

Close Approach of 2026 EE2

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:26:47 -0400

CNEOS predicts that the newly-discovered Aten-class NEA, 2026 EE2 made a close approach on 2026-Mar-12 16:07±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.00558 AU, moving with V Relative=7.30 km/sec, H=24.4 magnitude, diameter 35 m - 78 m and 'Rarity'=1. As of March 12, there is a 2 day observation arc, the Condition Code=5 and the Earth MOID=0.00393894 AU. The solution date was 2026-Mar-12 00:22:20 PDT. The initial reported observation was by ATLAS South Africa, Sutherland on 2026-03-10. This NEA is too small to make the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can download using SkyTools. This object won't be this close for 100 years. It will make another close approach on 2026-Sep-29 14:40 ± 04:28 UT at a nominal distance of 0.1846 AU.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 Mar 12 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.20 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 EE2 will reach a peak brightness of 14.0 magnitude on 2026 March 13 at 0200 EDT (0600 UT) at a distance of 913.2k km traveling through Virgo at 91.5"/minute. Close approach was predicted on 2026 March 12 at 1200 EDT (1600 UT) at a distance of 835.6k km traveling through Hydra at 109"/minute and 14.4 magnitude, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. This MP is predicted to remain brighter than 16 magnitude through March 14 in Canes Venatici.

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2026 EE2:
Object Info for NEO 2026 EE2 (2026 March 12 1200 EDT).jpg (Size: 161.67 KB / Downloads: 1)

Since this object will pass close by, observers should follow the directions in the "Important Thread" at the top of this Forum section for instructions to download orbital elements elements from JPL's HORIZONS website for the most accurate orbital elements.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Close Approach of 2026 CU1

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 13:45:44 -0500

CNEOS predicts that the recently discovered NEA, 2026 CU1, will make a close approach on 2026-Feb-26 21:22±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.00822 AU moving with V Relative=8.40 km/sec, H=24.5 magnitude, diameter 34 m - 75 m and 'Rarity'=1. As of 2026 Feb 22, there is a 41 day observation arc, the Condition Code=6 and the Earth MOID=0.000387542 AU. The solution date was 2026-Feb-22 05:51:51 PST. The initial reported observation was by Purple Mountain Observatory, XuYi Station on 2026-02-10. The observation arc was extended by observations on 2026-1-11 by Pan-STARRS 2, Haleakala, 2026-1-21&24 by Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala and 2026-2-6 by Mt. Lemmon Survey. It's predicted to be 0.016 AU distant on 2111 April 21. This NEA is too small to make the MPC/s list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can download using SkyTools.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 Feb 22 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.20 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 CU1 will reach peak brightness of 15.3 magnitude on the morning of February 25 (0100 EST, 0600 UT) with the NEA traveling through Leo at 41"/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 Feb 26 1600 EST (2100 UT) with the MP traveling through Virgo at 1233.5k km distant, 15.8 magnitude and 87"/minute, but in daylight below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. The close approach should be observable from Australia, weather permitting.

Here's the object Indo dialog for 2026 CU1:
Object Info for NEO 2026 CU1 (2026 February 26 1600 EST).jpg (Size: 207.2 KB / Downloads: 1)

This NEA will pass close by so observers should follow the instructions in the "Important Thread" at the top of this forum section to download the most up-to-date orbital elements for their predictions.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Close Approach of 2026 AH17

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:05:08 -0500

CNEOS predicts that the recently discovered NEA, 2026 AH17, will make a close approach on 2026-Feb-20 22:26±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.02893 AU moving with V Relative=7.30 km/sec, H=23.2 magnitude, diameter 61 m - 140 m and 'Rarity'=1. As of February 9 there is a 29 day observation arc, the Condition Code=6 and the Earth MOID=0.0281808 AU. The solution date was 2026-Feb-09 05:20:16 PST. The initial reported observation was by Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala on 2026-01-11. This approach is close to the MOID. It's not quite large enough to make the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can download using SkyTools. PHAs have absolute magnitude (H) values <22.0 magnitude.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 February 9 0000 UT, ST 4.1.11.20 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 AH17 will reach a peak brightness of 15.7 magnitude on the evening of February 20 at 2300 EST at a distance of 0.029 AU while traveling through Leo at 20"/minute. The close approach is predicted on February 20 at 1700 EST with the object still at 15.7 magnitude and 0.029 AU traveling through Leo at 21"/minute, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio.

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2026 AH17:
Object Info for NEO 2026 AH17 (2026 February 20 1700 EST).jpg (Size: 162.34 KB / Downloads: 1)

The orbit for this NEA is pretty well determined, but observers should monitor the CNEOS website to see if the orbit has been refined further. For the most accurate orbital elements, refer to the 'Important Thread' at the top of this forum section for instructions on how to download the most up-to-date elements to your Minor Planet database.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Close Approach of (162882) 2001 FD58

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:50:01 -0500

CNEOS predicts that the large NEA, (162882) 2001 FD58, will make a close approach on 2026-Feb-14 14:11±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.04344 AU moving with V Relative=19.16 km/sec, H=18.8 magnitude, diameter 470 m - 1.0 km and 'Rarity'=2. As of 2025 April 29, there was a 9147 day observation arc, the Condition Code=0 and the Earth MOID=0.0325364 AU. The solution date was 2025-Apr-29 06:21:41 PDT. Discovered 2001-03-24 by LINEAR at Socorro. The observation arc was extended to 2000-04-12. This NEA is on the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can download using SkyTools. The next close approach on 2034-Feb-13 15:18 ± < 00:01 UT will be at 0.03254 AU, the MOID distance.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 Jan 28 0000 UT, ST 4.1.11 20 Visual Pro predicts that ((162882) 2001 FD58 will reach a peak brightness of 14.6 magnitude on February 16 traveling through Camelopardalis at 0.047 AU and 31"/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 February 14 at 0900 EST (1400 UT) with the NEA traveling through Cassiopeia at 15.2 magnitude and 36.9"/minute, but in daylight in Columbus, Ohio. As of January 28 it's 19.6 magnitude in Aquarius.

Here's the Object Info dialog for (162882) 2001 FD58:
Object Info for NEO (162882) 2001 FD58 (2026 February 14 0900 EST).jpg (Size: 202.01 KB / Downloads: 0)

The orbit for this NEA is well defined and it won't pass too close-by so the orbital elements provided by the MPC may be adequate to generate accurate positions for this object. There should be updated orbit calculations shown on the CNEOS website in the next 7 to 10 days as the time of the close approach nears.

Good hunting,

Phil S.