The Asteroid 2012 TC4 is Making a Safe Close-Approach on October-12-2017 Please Stand By For a Media Storm

The First in a Series

This artist's concept shows a broken-up asteroid.
Image: Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech 

On October 12, 2017, the asteroid 2012 TC4 is projected to make an exceptionally close approach to Earth, and it is possible that the media (alternative, mainstream,  print, broadcast, and social) will go wild. Writeups will range from well written to poorly written, originally written to carbon copies, well research to poorly research, well intentioned to bad intentioned, and so forth. How is the consumer of media to make heads or tails of the hodgepodge of choices out there? The author plans a series of posts to give some background on 2012 TC4 in particular, some general knowledge about asteroids, their orbit, asteroid observing, asteroid risk list, and source information, to help the read navigate the mishmash of media out there.

What makes the Close-Approach on October 12, 2017, exceptional?

If we count 2008 TC3 and 2014 AA(both were small and impacted the Earth and would tie for first) 2012 TC4 could come in as the sixth closest known approach to date.  While there is some uncertainty about how close the close-approach will be, there is sufficient observational data to rule out an impact on October 12, 2017, When talking about astronomical distances it can be tough to wrap one's head around this can lead one to use of analogies such as close shave which is not aways helpful. If one uses a basketball to serve as a model for the Earth it may be easier to grasp.

Note some of this infomation is outdated See:The Asteroid 2012 TC4 Has Been Recovered

The Model  (the Basketball Size Earth) 

• Earth (Equatorial) radius: 4.2634965e-5 AU 3963.17 miles (6378.1 KM) - for the model 4.69507082121091 inches (11.93 CM)

• Earth (Equatorial) Circumference(assuming around Earth): 0.000267883358316 AU 24,901.32 miles (40,074.78 KM) -for the model 29.5 inches (74.93 CM)

• ISS(Perigee): 2.67383e-6 AU 248.55 miles (400.00 KM) -for the model 0.29 inches ( 0.75CM)

• ISS(apogee): 2.7407e-6 AU 254.76 miles (400.00 KM) -for the model 0.3 inches ( 0.77CM)

• The Close-Approach of 2012 TC4 on 2017-Oct-12 Minimum Possible Distance: 8.81780128572509e-05 AU (0.034 Lunar Distance (LD)) or 8196.66 miles (13191.24 KM) -for the model (after subtracting the radius)-5.02 inches (12.74 CM)

• The Close-Approach of 2012 TC4 on 2017-Oct-12 Nominal Distance: 9.6251580873557e-05 AU (0.037 Lunar Distance (LD)) or 8947.14 miles( 14399.03 KM)  -for the model (after subtracting the radius)- 5.9 inches ( 15.0 CM)

• Geosynchronous orbit: 0.00023921463 AU (0.093 Lunar Distance (LD)) or 22236.39 miles (35786.00 KM)  -for the model (after subtracting the radius)- 2.2 feet ( 0.67 M)

• Lunar Distance (LD): 0.003 AU or 238606.54  22236.39 miles (35786.00 KM)  -for the model (after subtracting the radius)-  23.16 feet (7.06 M)

• The Close-Approach of 2012 TC4 on 2017-Oct-12 Maximum Possible Distance: 0.00289623510069374 AU (1.127 Lunar Distance (LD)) or 269221.87miles ( 433270.60 KM)   -for the model (after subtracting the radius)-  26.19 feet ( 7.98M)

• Astronomical Unit: 389.171 Lunar Distance (LD) or 9.296e+7 miles (1.496e+8 KM)   -for the model   1.7 miles  (2.7 KM)

more to follow (Read The Second Part in a Series: Virtual Asteroids, The Observatory's Cat, a Lost Car Key, and 2012 TC4 Beyond the 2017-Oct-12 Close-Approach )

Background

(as of 2017-01-16 ) 

• Object: 2012 TC4
• Orbit Type: Apollo [NEO]
• Approximate Diameter: 15 m - 33 m (  49.2126 feet to 108.268  feet)(Absolute Magnitude: H= 26.7)
• On the Sentry Risk Table:  Yes 
•  NOTE this is NOT a prediction of an impact but rather a statement there is insufficient observational data rule out an impact -- for information read  Understanding Risk Pages by Jon Giorgini
• Torino Scale(NEODyS CLOMON2): 0
• "The likelihood of a collision is zero, or is so low as to be effectively zero. Also applies to small objects such as meteors and bodies that burn up in the atmosphere as well as infrequent meteorite falls that rarely cause damage.."
• On the NEODyS CLOMON2 risk page: Yes
• NEODyS Recovery Campaign: 2017-08-31t o 2017-10-24
• Discovery observation was made: 2012 10 04.467661
• Discovery observation was made by Pan-STARRS 1 (MPC Code F51) The Discovery M.P.E.C.: MPEC 2012-T18 : 2012 TC4
• Last Observation (publish): 2012 10 11.74842   (by Volkssternwarte Drebach, Schoenbrunn(MPC code 113))
• Data-Arc Span (publish): 7 days
• Number of Optical Observations(published):301
• Observatories Reporting (Published) Observations(MPC Code):
• (089) Nikolaev,  Ukraine.
• (104) San Marcello Pistoiese, Italy.
• (113) Volkssternwarte Drebach, Schoenbrunn, Germany.
• (204) Schiaparelli Observatory, Italy
• (291) LPL/Spacewatch II, US/Arizona.
• (300) Bisei Spaceguard Center-BATTeRS, Japan.
• (461) University of Szeged, Piszkesteto Stn (Konkoly), Hungary.
• (470) Ceccano, Italy.
• (568) Mauna Kea, US/Hawaii.
• (695) Kitt Peak, US/Arizona.
• (703) Catalina Sky Survey, US/Arizona.
• (716) Palmer Divide Observatory, Colorado Springs, US/Colorado.
• (718) Tooele, US/Utah.  
• (857) Iowa Robotic Observatory, Sonoita, US/Arizona.
• (900) Moriyama, Japan.
• (932) John J. McCarthy Obs., New Milford,  US/Connecticut.
• (B04) OAVdA, Saint-Barthelemy, Italy. 
• (B88) Bigmuskie Observatory, Mombercelli, Italy.
• (C32) Ka-Dar Observatory, TAU Station, Nizhny Arkhyz, Russia.
• (C77) Bernezzo Observatory, Italy.
• (E10) Siding Spring-Faulkes Telescope South, Australia/NSW.
• (F51) Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala, US/Hawaii
• (F65) Haleakala-Faulkes Telescope North, US/Hawaii.
• (G40) Slooh.com Canary Islands Observatory, Canary Islands (Spain).
• (G48) Doc Greiner Research Obs., Rancho Hildalgo,  US/New Mexico.
• (H06) iTelescope Observatory, Mayhill, US/New Mexico.  
• (H17) Angel Peaks Observatory, US/Colorado.
• (H21) Astronomical Research Observatory, Westfield, US/Illinois.
• (H36) Sandlot Observatory, Scranton, US/Kansas
• (J16) An Carraig Observatory, Loughinisland, UK.
• (J84) South Observatory, Clanfield, UK.
• (J95) Great Shefford, UK.
• Perihelion Distance: 0.9337184081730526(AU)
• Aphelion Distance: 1.877515914032821
• Goldstone Asteroid Schedule: Yes  2017 Oct ( Needs Astrometry: Yes Physical Ob
• Near-Earth Object Human Space Flight Accessible Targets Study (NHATS): Yes

Useful Links:

• Will asteroid 2012 TC4 hit Earth in October 2017?
• Fast Rotation of the NEA 2012 TC4 Indicates a Monolithic Structure by  Polishook, D. in The Minor Planet Bulletin (ISSN 1052-8091). Bulletin of the Minor Planets Section of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers, Vol. 40, No. 1, p. 42-43 (2013)
• Space Situational Awareness(ESA) -- 2012 TC4
• Near Earth Objects Dynamic Site--2012 TC4
• (MPC) Observations --2012 TC4
• JPL Orbit Diagram --2012 TC4
• Close Approach of Asteroid 2012 TC4(Tuesday, October 9, 2012 Remanzacco Observatory, Italy)
• NEO Earth Close Approaches (JPL) (upcoming)
• JPL's NEO Earth Close-Approaches (Between 1900 A.D. and 2200 A.D- limited to encounters with reasonably low uncertainty)
• The Tracking News
• NEO Coordination Centre 
• Speed of Light - Space - Distance Calculator
• Asteroid Hazards: The View from Space(MPC)
• Don’t fear apocalyptic asteroids: you’re safer than you think
• Understanding Risk Pages By Jon Giorgini
• Revised asteroid scale aids understanding of impact risk
• Near Earth, Objects Scale Helps Risk Communication
• Dealing With the Impact Hazard: An International Project
• The Palermo Technical Impact Hazard Scale
• An Asteroid as Entered the Blogosphere… Should I Be Worried? A commentary by Steven M. Tilley
• International Asteroid Warning Network
• Impact Risk Assessment: An Introduction - Near-Earth Object Program
• Hazardous NEO Technical Reviews
• Frequently Asked Questions For Impact Risk Assessment 
• How to Find an Impact Orbit for the Earth-Asteroid Collision
• The Asteroid/Comet Impact Hazard
• Whom should we call? Data policy for immediate impactors announcements
• NEO Search & Follow-Up
• NEOs' Science pages by Livia Giacomini
• Torino Scale(JPL)
• Find_Orb --- Orbit determination software - Project Pluto
• Guide to Minor Body Astrometry(MPC)
•  Asteroid - Impact Simulator (Impact Earth!) by Purdue University,
• On-line Find_Orb

The Earth Got Buzz by the Asteroid 2017 AG13 -- 50% Closer Than The Moon

Artist's concept of a near-Earth object. Image: Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech

On  2017 Jan  7  at  7:39:30.24(UTC) the Catalina Sky Survey discovered an asteroid on route to buzz the Earth. They submit their observations to the Minor Planet Center(MPC) and the "object"(with their observations) was posted the NEO Confirmation Page.  Observers from around from the world took follow-up observations and on 2017 Jan  8 at 15:14(UTC) the Minor Planet Electronic Circular announcing the discovery. On 2017 Jan  9 at  ~12:49 (UTC) buzz the Earth at ~  0.5 Lunar Distances (LD) -- to put things in perspective"If" the Earth Was the Size of a Basketball this would be ~ 12.80 feet(3.90 meters)  away.

Background

(as of 2017-01-11 ) 

• Object: 2017 AG13
• Orbit Type: Aten [NEO]
• Approximate Diameter: 16 m - 37 m (52.4934 feet to 121.391 feet)(Absolute Magnitude: H= 26.039)
• On the Sentry Risk Table: No (Never has been listed )
• On the NEODyS CLOMON2 risk page: No
• Discovery (First) observation was made: 2017 01 07.31910
• Discovery (First )observation by: Catalina Sky Survey, Arizona, USA (MPC Code 703) The Discovery M.P.E.C.: MPEC 2017-A58 : 2017 AG13
• Last Observation (publish):2 017 01 09.53408 (by Mt. Lemmon Survey (MPC Code G96)  )
• Data-Arc Span (publish): 2 days
• Number of Optical Observations(published):70
• Observatories Reporting (Published) Observations(MPC Code):
• (204) Schiaparelli Observatory, Italy.
• (703) Catalina Sky Survey, US/ Arizona.
• (958) Observatoire de Dax, France.
• (B49) Paus Observatory, Sabadell, Spain.
• (C44) A. Volta Observatory, Lanzo d'Intelvi, Italy.
• (G96) Mt. Lemmon Survey, US/Arizona. 
• (H21) Astronomical Research Observatory, Westfield, US/Illinois.
• (I52) Steward Observatory, Mt. Lemmon Station, US/Arizona.
• (I93) St Pardon de Conques, France.
• (K65) Cesena, Italy.
• (W25) RMS Observatory, Cincinnati, US/Ohio.
• Perihelion Distance:0.5501188546601535 (AU)
• Aphelion Distance:1.376259329339826 (AU)
• Earth MOID: 5.66787E-5 AU (0.022 (LD)) or 5,268.614  miles ( 8,479.013 (KM))
• Last Close-Approach to Earth: Passed the Earth on 2017-Jan-10 at a Nominal Distance of 0.00139468114617598 (AU), ( 0.543 Lunar Distance (LD)), or 129,643.712 miles (208,641.33 (KM)) -- to put things in perspective "If" the Earth Was the Size of a Basketball this would be 12.80 feet(3.90 meters) 
• Next Close-Approach to Earth:  Will safely pass Earth on 2028-Sep-12 at a Nominal Distance of 0.336749573158621  (AU) (131.053 (LD)) or 31,302,828.42  miles (50,377,019.101(KM))

Useful Links:

• Newfound Asteroid Gives Earth a Close Shave
• An Asteroid Just Flew By Earth About 50% Closer Than The Moon, And We Barely Saw It Coming
• Space Situational Awareness(ESA) -- 2017 AG13
• Near Earth Objects Dynamic Site--2017AG13
• (MPC) Observations --2017 AG13
• JPL Orbit Diagram --2017 AG13
• NEO Earth Close Approaches (JPL) (upcoming)
• JPL's NEO Earth Close-Approaches (Between 1900 A.D. and 2200 A.D- limited to encounters with reasonably low uncertainty)
• The Tracking News
• NEO Coordination Centre 
• Speed of Light - Space - Distance Calculator
• Asteroid Hazards: The View from Space(MPC)
• Don’t fear apocalyptic asteroids: you’re safer than you think
• Understanding Risk Pages By Jon Giorgini
• Revised asteroid scale aids understanding of impact risk
• Near Earth Objects Scale Helps Risk Communication
• Dealing With the Impact Hazard: An International Project
• The Palermo Technical Impact Hazard Scale
• An Asteroid as Entered the Blogosphere… Should I Be Worried? A commentary by Steven M. Tilley
• International Asteroid Warning Network
• Impact Risk Assessment: An Introduction - Near-Earth Object Program
• Hazardous NEO Technical Reviews
• Frequently Asked Questions For Impact Risk Assessment 
• How to Find an Impact Orbit for the Earth-Asteroid Collision
• The Asteroid/Comet Impact Hazard
• Whom should we call? Data policy for immediate impactors announcements
• NEO Search & Follow-Up
• NEOs' Science pages by Livia Giacomini
• Torino Scale(JPL)
• Find_Orb --- Orbit determination software - Project Pluto
• Guide to Minor Body Astrometry(MPC)
•  Asteroid - Impact Simulator (Impact Earth!) by Purdue University,
• On-line Find_Orb

Confirmation images of the NEO 2017 AF5

A confirmation image of the Near Earth Objects 2017 AF5
on 2017-01-06 from AstroCamp Observatory. Nerpio, Spain - (MPC Code I89)
using itelescope.net's (T7 TEL 0.43-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD)
a stack of 5-60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images
(C) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation image of the Near Earth Objects 2017 AF5
on 2017-01-06 from AstroCamp Observatory. Nerpio, Spain - (MPC Code I89)
using itelescope.net's (T7 TEL 0.43-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD)
a stack of 5-60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images
(C) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation image of the Near Earth Objects 2017 AF5
on 2017-01-06 from AstroCamp Observatory. Nerpio, Spain - (MPC Code I89)
using itelescope.net's (T7 TEL 0.43-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD)
a stack of 5-60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images
(C) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation image of the Near Earth Objects 2017 AF5
on 2017-01-06 from AstroCamp Observatory. Nerpio, Spain - (MPC Code I89)
using itelescope.net's (T7 TEL 0.43-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD)
a stack of 5-60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images
(C) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation image of the Near Earth Objects 2017 AF5
on 2017-01-07 from AstroCamp Observatory. Nerpio, Spain - (MPC Code I89)
using itelescope.net's (T18 TEL 0.32-m f/8.0 reflector + CCD)
a stack of 5-60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images
(C) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation image of the Near Earth Objects 2017 AF5
on 2017-01-07 from AstroCamp Observatory. Nerpio, Spain - (MPC Code I89)
using itelescope.net's (T18 TEL 0.32-m f/8.0 reflector + CCD)
a stack of 5-60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images
(C) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation image of the Near Earth Objects 2017 AF5
on 2017-01-07 from AstroCamp Observatory. Nerpio, Spain - (MPC Code I89)
using itelescope.net's (T18 TEL 0.32-m f/8.0 reflector + CCD)
a stack of 5-60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images
(C) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation image of the Near Earth Objects 2017 AF5
on 2017-01-07 from AstroCamp Observatory. Nerpio, Spain - (MPC Code I89)
using itelescope.net's (T18 TEL 0.32-m f/8.0 reflector + CCD)
a stack of 5-60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images
(C) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation image of the Near Earth Objects 2017 AF5
on 2017-01-07 from AstroCamp Observatory. Nerpio, Spain - (MPC Code I89)
using itelescope.net's (T18 TEL 0.32-m f/8.0 reflector + CCD)
a stack of 5-60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images
(C) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation image of the Near Earth Objects 2017 AF5
on 2017-01-07 from AstroCamp Observatory. Nerpio, Spain - (MPC Code I89)
using itelescope.net's (T18 TEL 0.32-m f/8.0 reflector + CCD)
a stack of 5-60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images
(C) Steven M. Tilley

Background

(as of 2017-01-09 )

 

• Object: 2017 AF5
• Approximate Diameter: 1 km - 2 km (0.621371 miles to 1.24274 miles)(Absolute Magnitude: H= 17.418)
• Orbit Type: Apollo [NEO]
• On the Sentry Risk Table: No (Never has been listed )
• On the NEODyS CLOMON2 risk page: No
• Discovery (First) observation was made: 2017 01 04.59742
• Discovery (First )observation by:  ATLAS-HKO, Haleakala(MPC Code T05) The Discovery M.P.E.C.: MPEC 2017-A53 : 2017 AF5
• Last Observation(publish): 2017 01 08.59190 (by ATLAS-HKO, Haleakala (MPC Code T05))
• Data-Arc Span(publish) : 4 days
Number of Optical Observations(published): 79
• Observatories Reporting (Published) Observations(MPC Code):
• (104) San Marcello Pistoiese, Italy.
• (107) Cavezzo, Italy.
• (160) Castelmartini, Italy.
• (204) Schiaparelli Observatory, Italy.
• (300) Bisei Spaceguard Center-BATTeRS, Japan.
• (587) Sormano, Italy.
• (595) Farra d'Isonzo, Italy. 
• (703) Catalina Sky Survey, US/Arizona.
• (926) Tenagra II Observatory, Nogales, US/Arizona.
• (C44) A. Volta Observatory, Lanzo d'Intelvi, Italy.
• (H36) Sandlot Observatory, Scranton, US/Kansas. 
• (I52) Steward Observatory, Mt. Lemmon Station, US/Arizona.
• (I89) iTelescope Observatory, Nerpio, Spain.
• (I93) St Pardon de Conques, France.
• (J95) Great Shefford, UK.
• (K63) G. Pascoli Observatory, Castelvecchio Pascoli, Italy.
• (T05) ATLAS-HKO, Haleakala, US/Hawaii.
• Perihelion Distance: 0.1296403396428067 (AU)
• Aphelion Distance:  4.659873602813798 (AU)
• Earth MOID: 0.154461 AU ( 60.112 (LD)) or 14,358,046.946 miles (23,107,036.705 (KM))
• Last Close-Approach to Earth: Passed the Earth on 2017-Jan-03 at a Nominal Distance of  0.440916363577703  (AU), (171.592 Lunar Distance (LD)),   or  40,985,736.514 miles ( 65,960,149.144 (KM))
• Space Situational Awareness(ESA) -- 2017 AF5
Near Earth Objects Dynamic Site--2017 AF5
(MPC) Observations --2017 AF5
JPL Orbit Diagram --2017 AF5  

Useful Links:

NEO Earth Close Approaches (JPL) (up coming)
JPL's NEO Earth Close-Approaches  (Between 1900 A.D. and 2200 A.D- limited to encounters with  reasonably low uncertainty)
The Tracking News
NEO Coordination Centre 
Speed of Light - Space - Distance Calculator
Asteroid Hazards: The View from Space(MPC)
Don’t fear apocalyptic asteroids: you’re safer than you think
Understanding Risk Pages By Jon Giorgini
Revised asteroid scale aids understanding of impact risk
Near Earth Objects Scale Helps Risk Communication
Dealing With the Impact Hazard: An International Project
The Palermo Technical Impact Hazard Scale
An Asteroid as Entered the Blogosphere… Should I Be Worried? A commentary by Steven M. Tilley
International Asteroid Warning Network 
Impact Risk Assessment: An Introduction - Near-Earth Object Program
Hazardous NEO Technical Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions For Impact Risk Assessment 
How to Find an Impact Orbit for the Earth-Asteroid Collision
The Asteroid/Comet Impact Hazard
Whom should we call? Data policy for immediate impactors announcements
NEO Search & Follow-Up
NEOs' Science pages  by Livia Giacomini
Torino Scale(JPL) 
Find_Orb --- Orbit determination software - Project Pluto
Guide to Minor Body Astrometry(MPC)

 

Information on the Asteroid (35396) 1997 XF11

The Near Earth Object (35396) 1997 XF11 is notable( or notorious) for the fact it became the center of a media firestorm on 11 March 1998 when an IAU Circular and press information sheet incorrectly stated the possibility of it impacting the Earth in 2028. Within a day new calculations where done showing the probability of Earth impact to be essentially zero. However this was after the news media reported the story and old(or incorrect) news stories have away living for long time(this can be a good thing if research is done right). This is why one should aways look for updates when doing any research. Recently this story has made a comeback in blogosphere. To show that (35396) 1997 XF11 is NOT "Being Hidden From the World" I obtain the publicly available orbit and imaged it from AstroCamp Observatory. Nerpio, Spain (MPC Code I89)...and I fond where it should be. Here is the images, background information, and links on (35396) 1997 XF11.

The Near Earth Objects (35396) 1997 XF11 on 2016-11-01 from AstroCamp Observatory. Nerpio, Spain - (MPC Code I89) using itelescope.net's (T7 TEL 0.43-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD) a stack of 4 - 60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images
(C) Steven M. Tilley

The Near Earth Objects (35396) 1997 XF11 on 2016-11-01 from AstroCamp Observatory. Nerpio, Spain - (MPC Code I89)
using itelescope.net's (T7 TEL 0.43-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD) a stack of 4 - 60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images
(C) Steven M. Tilley

Background 

(as of 2016-11-07)

• Object: (35396) 1997 XF11
• Approximate Diameter: 1.3 km - 2.8 km ( 0.807783 miles to 1.739839  km )(Absolute Magnitude: H=16.9)
• Orbit Type: Apollo [NEO] Potentially Hazardous Asteroid
• On the Sentry Risk Table: No
• On the NEODyS CLOMON2 risk page: No
• First(Precovery) Observation was Made: 1990 03 22.44427
• First(Precovery) Observed By: Palomar Mountain (MPC Code 675)
• Discovery Observation was Made: 1997 12 06.47227
• Discovery Observation was Made By: Steward Observatory, Kitt Peak-Spacewatch (MPC Code 691) The Discovery M.P.E.C.: MPEC 1997-Y11 : 1997 XF11
• Last Observation(publish): 2016 11 04.83358  (by Purple Mountain Observatory, XuYi Station, China (MPC Code D29))
• Data-Arc Span(publish) : 9724 days (26.62 yr)
• Number of Optical Observations(published): 1595
• Radar observations: 6
• Observatories Reporting (Published) Observations(MPC Code):
• (006) Fabra Observatory, Barcelona, Spain.
• (046) Klet Observatory, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
• (057) Belgrade, Serbia.
• (073) Bucharest, Romania.
• (084) Pulkovo, Russia
• (104) San Marcello Pistoiese, Italy.
• (106) Crni Vrh, Slovenia
• (118) Astronomical and Geophysical Observatory, Modra, Slovakia.
• (127) Bornheim, Germany
• (130) Lumezzane, Italy.
• (151) Eschenberg Observatory, Winterthur, Switzerland.
• (160) Castelmartini,Italy.
• (168) Kourovskaya, Russia.
• (176) Observatorio Astronomico de Consell, Spain.
• (185) Observatoire Astronomique Jurassien-Vicques, Switzerland.
• (204) Schiaparelli Observatory,Italy
• (213) Observatorio Montcabre, Spain
• (251) Arecibo, Puerto Rico,US
• (253) Goldstone DSS 14, Fort Irwin, California, US
• (291) LPL/Spacewatch II, Arizona,US
• (333) Desert Eagle Observatory,Arizona, US
• (360) Kuma Kogen, Japan
• (379) Hamamatsu-Yuto, Japan
• (402) Dynic Astronomical Observatory,Japan
• (413) Siding Spring Observatory,NSW, Australia
• (422) Loomberah, NSW, Australia
• (428) Reedy Creek,QLD,Australia.
• (474) Mount John Observatory, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
• (557) Ondrejov, Czech Republic
• (568) Mauna Kea, Hawaii, US
• (587) Sormano, Italy
• (608) Haleakala-AMOS, Hawaii, US
• (644) Palomar Mountain/NEAT, Arizona, US
• (658) National Research Council of Canada, Brit, Columbia, Canada
• (670) Camarillo,Arizona,US
• (675) Palomar Mountain, Arizona,US
• (691) Steward Observatory, Kitt Peak-Spacewatch, Arizona, US
• (696) Whipple Observatory, Mt. Hopkins, Arizona, US
• (699) Lowell Observatory-LONEOS, Arizona,US
• (703) Catalina Sky Survey, Arizona,US
• (704) Lincoln Laboratory ETS, New Mexico, US
• (705) Apache Point,New Mexico, US
• (711) McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis,Texas,US.
• (807) Cerro Tololo Observatory, La Serena, Chile.
• (809) European Southern Observatory, La Silla, Chile.
• (897) YGCO Chiyoda Station, Japan.
• (900) Moriyama, Japan.
• (921) SW Institute for Space Research, Cloudcroft  New Mexico,US
• (932) John J. McCarthy Obs., New Milford, Connecticut,US
• (938) Linhaceira,Portugal.
• (940) Waterlooville, UK.
• (941) Observatorio Pla D'Arguines, Spain.
• (952) Marxuquera, Spain.
• (954) Teide Observatory,Canary Islands (Spain).
• (A30) Crespadoro,Italy.
• (B67) Sternwarte Mirasteilas, Falera, Switzerland.
• (C00) Velikie Luki, Russian.
• (C20) Kislovodsk Mtn. Astronomical Stn., Pulkovo Obs., Russia.
• (C51) WISE.
• (D25) Tzec Maun Observatory, Pingell (before 2010),WA, Australia.
• (D29) Purple Mountain Observatory, XuYi Station, China.
• (E12) Siding Spring Survey, NSW, Australia
• (F51) Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala, Hawaii, US
• (G34) Oberfrauendorf, Germany.
• (G36) Calar Alto-CASADO, Spain.
• (G45) Space Surveillance Telescope, Atom Site, New Mexico, US
• (G92) Jarnac Observatory, Vail, Arizona,US
• (G96) Mt. Lemmon Survey, Arizona, US
• (H21) Astronomical Research Observatory, Westfield, Illinois, US
• (H23) Pear Tree Observatory, Valparaiso , Florida, US
• (H45) Arkansas Sky Obs., Petit Jean Mountain South, Arkansas, US
• (H79) York University Observatory, Toronto, Canada/Ontario.
• (I20) Observatorio Astronomico Salvador, Rio Cuarto, Argentina.
• (J16) An Carraig Observatory, Loughinisland, UK.
• (J19) El Maestrat, Spain.
• (J75) OAM Observatory, La Sagra, Spain.
• (J93) Mount Tuffley Observatory, Gloucester, UK.
• (J94) Abbeydale, UK.
• (K38) M57 Observatory, Saltrio, Italy.
• (K63) G. Pascoli Observatory, Castelvecchio Pascoli, Italy.
• (Q62) iTelescope Observatory, Siding Spring, NSW, Australia.
• (T05) ATLAS-HKO, Haleakala, Hawaii, US
• (V78) Spirit Marsh Observatory. Sauk Centre, Minnesota, US
• (V83) Rolling Hills Observatory, Warrensburg, Missouri, US
• (W19) Kalamazoo, Michigan, US
• (Y00) SONEAR Observatory, Oliveira (S20.71513 W44.78496) Brazil.
• Perihelion Distance: 0.7445669829462876 (AU)
• Aphelion Distance: 2.141039135154752 (AU)
• Earth MOID:  0.000392071 AU ( 0.153 (LD)) or 36,445.276 miles (58,652.987 (KM))
• Last Close-Approach to Earth: Passed the Earth on 2016-June-10 at a Nominal Distance of  0.179984750131334 (AU), (70.045 Lunar Distance (LD)), 16,730,627.744 or miles (26,925,335.376 (KM))
•  Close-Approach to Venus: Will pass Venus on 2021-September-17 at Nominal Distance of  0.0932504234507136 (AU) (36.29  (LD)) or 8,668,168.39 miles (13,950,064.789 (KM))
• Close-Approach to Earth: Will safely pass Earth on 2021-November-18 at Nominal Distance of  0.443542182988942 (AU) (172.614 (LD)) or 41,229,821.677 miles (66,352,966.137 (KM))
• Close-Approach to Earth: Will safely pass Earth on  2023-May-05 at Nominal Distance of  0.241774173444771 (AU) (94.092 (LD)) or  miles 22,474,313.469 ( 36,168,901.535 (KM))
• Close-Approach to Earth: Will safely pass Earth on  2028-October-26 at Nominal Distance of 0.00621153684077898 (AU) (2.417 (LD)) or 577,398.421  miles  (929,232.685 (KM))
• Close-Approach to The Moon: Will safely pass Moon on 2028-October-26 at Nominal Distance of  0.00886650062640578 (AU)(3.451 (LD)) or 824,192.723 miles  (1,326,409.614(KM))
• Useful Links:
• Space Situational Awareness(ESA) -- (35396) 1997 XF11
• Near Earth Objects Dynamic Site--(35396) 1997 XF11
• (MPC) Observations --(35396) 1997 XF11
• JPL Orbit Diagram --(35396) 1997 XF11
• NEO Earth Close Approaches (JPL) (up coming)
• JPL's NEO Earth Close-Approaches  (Between 1900 A.D. and 2200 A.D- limited to encounters with  reasonably low uncertainty)
• The Tracking News
• NEO Coordination Centre 
• Speed of Light - Space - Distance Calculator
• Asteroid Hazards: The View from Space(MPC)
• Don’t fear apocalyptic asteroids: you’re safer than you think
• Understanding Risk Pages By Jon Giorgini
• Revised asteroid scale aids understanding of impact risk
• Near Earth Objects Scale Helps Risk Communication
• Dealing With the Impact Hazard: An International Project
• The Palermo Technical Impact Hazard Scale
• An Asteroid as Entered the Blogosphere… Should I Be Worried? A commentary by Steven M. Tilley
• Asteroid 1997 XF11 from the WIYN
• One-Mile-Wide Asteroid to Pass Close to the Earth in 2028  (1998 March 11, updated  1998 March 12)
• Asteroid Is Expected to Make A Pass Close to Earth in 2028 (New York Times, March 12, 1998)
• Asteroid Will Miss Earth By "Comfortable Distance" In 2028 (JPL's press release.)
• IAU Statement prepared by Dr. David Morrison, 14 March 1998 (Internet Archive)
• How the Asteroid Story Hit: An Astronomer Reveals How a Discovery Spun Out of Control 
• Prediscovery Ephemerides for 1997 XF11
• IAUC 6837: 1997 XF11; C/1997 W2, C/1998 E1
• IAUC 6839: 1997 XF11 - Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams
• IAUC 6879: P/1998 G1; C/1998 G2; 1997 XF11
• Asteroid 1997 XF11 - Near-Earth Object Program - NASA
• Spacewatch discovery of 1997 XF11
• 1997 XF11 – the true story 
• The Asteroid/Comet Impact Hazard
• Whom should we call? Data policy for immediate impactors announcements
• Rotation period and spin direction of near-Earth asteroid (35396) 1997 XF11
• Motion of the Dangerous Asteroid 1997 XF₁₁
• How to Find an Impact Orbit for the Earth-Asteroid Collision
• (35396) 1997 XF11 (Wikipedia)
• NASA: There is No Asteroid Threatening Earth
• Impact Risk Assessment: An Introduction - Near-Earth Object Program
• Hazardous NEO Technical Reviews
• Frequently Asked Questions For Impact Risk Assessment 
• 1997XF11 Ephemerides for 26 Oct 2028--NEODyS (Near Earth Objects - Dynamic Site
   

Confirmation Images of the Asteroid 2016 VC1

 Background

(as of 2016-11-06)

•  Object:  2016 VC1
• Approximate Diameter:  130 m - 290 m  ( 426.509 feet to  951.444  feet)(Absolute Magnitude:  H= 21.576 )
• Orbit Type: Apollo [NEO]  Potentially Hazardous Asteroid
• On the Sentry Risk Table:  NO
• On the NEODyS CLOMON2 risk page: No 
• First Observation was made: 2016 11 02.59825
• First Observed  By: Purple Mountain Observatory, XuYi Station, China (MPC Code D29)  The Discovery M.P.E.C.: MPEC 2016-V47 : 2016 VC1
• Last Observation was made(publish): 2016 11 06.85421  (by Bernezzo Observatory (MPC Code C77))
• Data-Arc Span(publish) : 4 days
• Number of Observations(published): 69
• Perihelion Distance:  0.7144718474842521(AU)
• Aphelion Distance: 3.872523314277046 (AU)
• Earth MOID:  0.0356285 AU ( 13.866 (LD)) or  3,311,875.979  miles (5,329,947.736 (KM))
• Next Close-Approach to Earth: Will safely pass Earth on 2016-Nov-22 at Nominal Distance of 0.0451994363061197  (AU) ( 17.59 (LD)) or  4,201,550.09  miles (6,761,739.428  (KM))

 



A confirmation image of the Near Earth Object 2016 VC1
on 2016-11-04 from Auberry California USA - (MPC Code U69)
a stack of 5 - 60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images using
itelescope.net's (t24 TEL 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD)
(C) Steven M. Tilley



A confirmation image of the Near Earth Object 2016 VC1
on 2016-11-04 from Auberry California USA - (MPC Code U69)
a stack of 5 - 60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images using
itelescope.net's (t24 TEL 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD)
(C) Steven M. Tilley



A confirmation image of the Near Earth Object 2016 VC1
on 2016-11-04 from Auberry California USA - (MPC Code U69)
a stack of 5 - 60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images using
itelescope.net's (t24 TEL 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD)
(C) Steven M. Tilley



A confirmation image of the Near Earth Object 2016 VC1
on 2016-11-04 from Auberry California USA - (MPC Code U69)
a stack of 5 - 60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images using
itelescope.net's (t24 TEL 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD)
(C) Steven M. Tilley



A confirmation image of the Near Earth Object 2016 VC1
on 2016-11-05 from Auberry California USA - (MPC Code U69)
a stack of 9 - 60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images using
itelescope.net's (t24 TEL 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD)
(C) Steven M. Tilley



A confirmation image of the Near Earth Object 2016 VC1
on 2016-11-05 from Auberry California USA - (MPC Code U69)
a stack of 9 - 60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images using
itelescope.net's (t24 TEL 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD)
(C) Steven M. Tilley



A confirmation image of the Near Earth Object 2016 VC1
on 2016-11-05 from Auberry California USA - (MPC Code U69)
a stack of 9 - 60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images using
itelescope.net's (t24 TEL 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD)
(C) Steven M. Tilley


Other links:

• Near Earth Objects Dynamic Site--2016 VC1
• (MPC) Observations 2016 VC1 
• JPL Orbit Diagram 2016 VC1 
• NEO Earth Close Approaches (JPL)
• The Tracking News 
• NEO Coordination Centre 
• Speed of Light - Space - Distance Calculator
• Asteroid Hazards: The View from Space(MPC) 
• Understanding Risk Pages By Jon Giorgini
•  An Asteroid as Entered the Blogosphere… Should I Be Worried? A commentary by Steven M. Tilley
•  Don’t fear apocalyptic asteroids: you’re safer than you think