Skyhound Forums - Observing Close Approaching Asteroids

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.

Close Approach of (500080) 2011 WV134

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:02:59 -0500

CNEOS predicts the close approach of the kilometer-sized NEA, (500080) 2011 WV134, on 2026-Mar-03 19:43±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.06410 AU moving with V Relative=11.33 km/sec, H=17.2 magnitude, diameter 960 m - 2.1 km and 'Rarity'=2. As of January 27, there was a 7003 day observation arc, the Condition Code=0 and the Earth MOID=0.0184296 AU. The solution date was 2026-Jan-27 05:18:43 PST. This NEA was discovered 2011-11-30 by CSS at Catalina. This object is on MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can download using SkyTools. It won't be this close again for over 100 years.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 January 27 0000 UT, ST 4.1.11.20 Visual Pro predicts that (500080) 2011 WV134 will reach a peak brightness of 15.1 magnitude from February 14 (in Orion) to February 21 (in Taurus). On the evening of 2026 February 16 it's predicted to be traveling through Taurus at 4.8"/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 March 3 at 1500 EST (2000 UT) with the MP traveling through Pisces at 15"/minute and 15.9 magnitude, but in daylight in Columbus, Ohio. It's currently 15.7 magnitude in Orion traveling at 1.8"/minute.

Here's the Object Info dialog for (500080) 2011 WV134:
Object Info for NEO (500080) 2011 WV134 (2065 March 3 1500 EST).jpg (Size: 195.16 KB / Downloads: 1)

This NEA isn't moving very quickly so it should be easy to observe, if it's bright enough for your optical system to pick it up.

Good Hunting,

Phil S.

Close Approach of 2025 YH6

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 15:18:51 -0500

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered Apollo class NEA, 2025 YH6, will make a close approach on 2025-Dec-30 04:10±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.01359 AU moving with V Relative=8.96 km/sec, H=23.4 magnitude, diameter 54 m - 120 m and 'Rarity'=1. As of December 28, there was a 1 day observation arc, the Condition Code=7 and the Earth MOID=0.00909197 AU. The solution date was 2025-Dec-28 05:54:44 PST. The initial reported observation was by ATLAS-MLO, Mauna Loa on 2025-12-27. There were no additional close approaches predicted as of December 29.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2025 Dec 28 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.19 Visual Pro predicts that 2025 YH6 will reach a peak brightness of 15.2 magnitude on the evening of 2025 December 30 ~2300 EST with the NEA 0.015 AU distant traveling through Taurus at 46"/minute. The close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2025 Dec 29 2300 EST (Dec 30 0400 UT) with the NEA 0.014 AU distant traveling through Taurus at 15.6 magnitude and ~53"/minute. This NEA is predicted to be brighter than 16 magnitude from December 29 (in Perseus) to January 2 (in Monoceros).

Here's the object Info data for 2025 YH6:
Object Info for NEO 2025 YH6 (2025 December 29 2300 EST) CNEOS Dec 28.jpg (Size: 158.98 KB / Downloads: 0)

Since this NEA will pass close-by, observers should follow the instructions for downloading the most recent orbital elemets as described in the 'Important Threads' posted at the top of this forum section.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Close Approach of 2025 XN4

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 13:00:39 -0500

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEA, 2025 XN4, will make a close approach on 2025-Dec-16 00:55±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.00132 AU moving with V Relative=14.77 km/sec, H=27.3 magnitude, diameter 9.2 m - 21 m and 'Rarity'=1. There is currently a 3 day observation arc, the Condition Code=6 and the Earth MOID=0.00128864 AU. The solution date was 2025-Dec-15 05:24:09 PST. The initial reported observation was by Pan-STARRS 2, Haleakala on 2025-12-12. This approach is about as close as this NEA can get, but still at 0.52 lunar distances away (LD). It's too small to make the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) which requires an H<22 magnitude.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2025 Dec 15 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.19 Visual Pro predicts that 2025 XN4 will reach a peak brightness of 14.8 magnitude on 2025 December 15 at 1800 EST (2300 UT) at 224.1k km distant traveling through Camelopardalis at 12.5"/second in twilight in Columbus, Ohio. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2025 December 15@2000 EST (December 16 0100UT) with 2025 XN4 predicted to be 15.4 magnitude traveling through Ursa Minor, 199.7k km distant at 15.6"/second.

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2025 XN4:
Object Info for NEO 2025 XN4 (2025 December 15 2000 EST) CNEOS Dec 15.jpg (Size: 154.64 KB / Downloads: 0)

Since this NEA will pass very close-by, observers should follow the instructions in the 'Important Threads' post at the top of this forum section to download the orbital elements for their time of observation.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Close Approach of 2025 XV

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:21:04 -0500

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered Apollo class NEA, 2025 XV, will make a close approach on 2025-Dec-18 03:48±00:02 UT at a distance of 0.01735 AU moving with V relative=9.55 km/sec, H=22.8 magnitude, diameter 75 m - 170 m and 'Rarity'=1. There is currently a 5 day observation arc, the Condition Code=7 and the Earth MOID=0.0164718 AU. The solution date was 2025-Dec-12 05:24:22 PST. The initial reported observation was by ATLAS-TDO on 2025-12-08. The observation arc was extended by observations on 2025-12-6, 7 & 8 by Palomar Mountain--ZTF. The close approach time has changed by -1 minute from December 10 to December 12, but the uncertainty on December 10 was ±00:09.

The orbit is still being refined so observers should check the CNEOS website for the status of this NEA. It's currently predicted to be 16.7 magnitude in Perseus, but it should exceed 16 magnitude on December 14 and reach a peak brightness of 15.1 in Taurus on the night of December 16.

Good hunting.

Phil S.

Close Approach of (220839) 2004 VA

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:54:12 -0500

CNEOS predicts that the kilometer-sized, Apollo class NEA, (220839) 2004 VA, will make a close approach on 2025-Dec-30 23:49±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.09594 AU moving with V Relative=12.29 km/sec. H=17.4 magnitude, diameter 870 m - 1.9 km and 'Rarity'=1. As of December 7 there was a 8166 day observation arc, the Condition Code=0 and the Earth MOID=0.0233217 AU. The solution date was 2025-Dec-07 05:19:12 PST. This NEA was discovered 2004-11-01 by LONEOS at Anderson Mesa. A closer approach is predicted on 2039-May-03 20:44±<00:01 UT at 0.06096 AU. This NEA is on the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can download using SkyTools.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2025 Dec 7 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.19 Visual Pro predicts that (220839) 2004 VA will reach a peak brightness of 15.2 magnitude from December 12 to December 21. On 2025 Dec 16 at 2100 EST it is predicted to be 15.2 magnitude traveling through Cetus at ~6"/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2025 December 30 at 1900 EST (Dec 31 0000 UT) with the MP 0.096 AU distant traveling through Aquarius at 16.7 magnitude and ~11"/minute. It should be brighter than 16 magnitude from November 25 (in Taurus) to Dec 27 (in Aquarius). It's currently a predicted magnitude 15.3 object in Cetus.

Here's the Object Info dialog for (220839) 2004 VA:
Object Info for NEO (220839) 2004 VA (2025 December 30 1900 EST) CNEOS Dec 7.jpg (Size: 174.21 KB / Downloads: 1)

Since the orbit for this object is well defined and the close approach distance is nearly 0.1 AU, MPC's orbital elements should provide accurate positions.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Close Approach of 2025 WA3

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 13:55:19 -0500

CNEOS predicts that the recently discovered medium-sized, Apollo class NEA, 2025 WA3 will make a close approach on 2025-Dec-15 21:29±00:09 UT at a distance of 0.02274 AU moving with V Relative=19.40 km/sec, H=20.7 magnitude, diameter 190 m - 420 m and 'Rarity'=2. There is currently a 12 day observation arc, the Condition Code=8 and the Earth MOID=0.00525214 AU. The solution date was 2025-Dec-06 06:32:44 PST. The initial reported observation was by Purple Mountain Observatory, XuYi Station on 2025-11-23. This object is large enough to be on MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can download from the MPC using SkyTools. The next predicted close approach is in 2099 at 0.073 AU.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2025 Dec 6 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.19 predicts that 2025 WA3 will reach a peak brightness of 14.7 magnitude around midnight EST on 2025 Dec 13 traveling through Aries at 0.030 AU distant and 42"/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2025 Dec 15 1600 EST (2100 UT) with the NEA traveling through Pegasus at 72"/minute and 15.4 magnitude. 2025 WA3 should be brighter than 16 magnitude from Dec 8 in Taurus to Dec 16 in Pegasus. It passes within 0.5 degrees of Aldebaran on 2025 Dec 9 0000 EST (0500 UT) at 15.9 magnitude.

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2025 WA3:
Object Info for NEO 2025 WA3 (2025 December 15 1600 EST) CNEOS Dec 6.jpg (Size: 169.91 KB / Downloads: 1)

The orbit for this object is still being refined since there is a 9 minute uncertainty in the time of close approach (still better than the several hours a few days ago). Observers should visit the CNEOS website to check on the status of this NEA.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Here's an Article About Ancient Airbursts

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:27:11 -0500

Folks might find this article about ancient airbursts similar to Tunguska interesting:

https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-unco...g-craters/

These are the results of some really close approaches that leave no craters (at least not large craters).

Phil S.