Re-Observing 2015 FP118 Another Look Almost Three Years later

When I am looking objects to observer, I try to find something within the capabilities of the telescope, interesting, and 'needing" observation. To these ends I check following lists:

• NEO Confirmation Page(NEOCP) and Possible Comet Confirmation Page (PCCP)
• The Impact Risk Monitoring lists(See Jon Giorgini's "Understanding Risk Pages"  for more inofmation)
• JPL Sentry
• JPL Scout(NEOCP)
• ESA NEODyS CLOMON2 Risk list
• The Radar Support Lists (Arecibo or Goldstone)
• Near-Earth Object Human Space Flight Accessible Targets Study (NHATS)
• ESA's NEO Coordination Centre (NEOCC) Priority List

On 2018-05-28 I saw  that 2015 FP118 was on both the Arecibo and Goldstone lists, needing astrometry,  and it was within the capabilities of iTelescope.net's (T27 TEL 0.70-m f/6.6 reflector + CCD) so I went for it. As I was create a directory so I could downloading the .FITS(Flexible Image Transport System) files I found out that I observed 2015 FP118  for  19.6 min on  2015-06-06.

The NEO 2015 FP118 on 2018-05-28 from
Siding Spring Observatory, Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia. (MPC Q62)
a stack of 45 - 60 second luminance BIN2 images
taken with iTelescope.net's (T27 TEL 0.70-m f/6.6 reflector + CCD)
By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2015 FP118 on 2015-06-06 from
 Siding Spring Observatory, Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia. (MPC Q62)
 a stack of 22 - 60 second luminance BIN2 images
taken with iTelescope.net's (T27 TEL 0.70-m f/6.6 reflector + CCD)
By Steven M. Tilley

 Background

(as of 2018-05-29)

• Object: 2015 FP118
• Orbit Type: Apollo [NEO, PHA]
• Approximate Diameter: 370 m - 820 m(1213.911 feet to 2690.289 feet) (Absolute Magnitude: H= 19.3)
• On the Sentry Risk Table: NO( Removed 2015-04-02 15:53:35)
• On the NEODyS CLOMON2 risk page: NO 
• Discovery observation was made on: 2015 03 21.57498
• Discovery observation was made by Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala (MPC Code F51) The Discovery M.P.E.C.:MPEC 2015-F132: 2015 FP118
• Last Observation (publish): 2018 05 28.56107 (at iTelescope Observatory, Siding Spring, Australia (MPC Code Q62) )
• Data-Arc Span (publish): 1164 days (3.19 yr) 
• Number of Optical Observations(published):133
• Observatories Reporting (Published) Observations(MPC Code):
• (204) Schiaparelli Observatory,Italy. 
• (290) Mt. Graham-VATT,US/Arizona.
• (291) LPL/Spacewatch II,US/Arizona. 
• (568) Mauna Kea, US/Hawaii.
• (691) Steward Observatory, Kitt Peak - Spacewatch US/Arizona.
• (703) Catalina Sky Survey, US/Arizona.
• (711) McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis, US/Texas.
• (807) Cerro Tololo Observatory, La Serena, Chile.
• (926) Tenagra II, US/Arizona.
• (D29) Purple Mountain Observatory, XuYi Station 
• (F51) Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala US/Hawaii. 
• (G96) Mt. Lemmon Survey, US/Arizona.
• (Q62) iTelescope Observatory, Siding Spring
• Perihelion Distance 0.9541884017671265 (AU)
• Aphelion Distance: 3.28765938878308 (AU)
• Earth MOID (Earth center to NEO center): 0.029858 AU ((11.62 LD)), ( 701.09 Earth radii) or 2,775,474.494 miles ( 4,466,693.22 ( KM))[If the Earth was the size of a Basketball this would be 276.261 Feet(84.204 Meters)]
• Next Close-Approach to Earth: Will safely pass Earth on 2018-Sep-03:
• Minimum Distance(Earth center to NEO center) of 0.0314378825351047 (AU) (12.235  (LD)),  (738.195 Earth radii) or  2,922,333.75 miles ( 4,703,040.286 (KM)) 
• Nominal Distance(Earth center to NEO center) of   0.031438612821003 (AU) (12.235 (LD)), (738.212 Earth radii) or  2,922,401.634  miles (4,703,149.536 (KM))
• Maximum Distance(Earth center to NEO center) of  0.0314393431490244 (AU) (12.235 (LD)), (738.229 Earth radii) or  2,922,469.522 miles (4,703,258.791 (KM))
• Goldstone Asteroid Schedule: Yes 2018 Sep (Needs Astrometry: Yes Needs Physical Observations: Yes)
• On the Arecibo Asteroid Schedule:  YES,  Dates:  2018 Aug (Request Optical Astrometry: YES , Request Optical  Lightcurve:YES, Request Optical Characterization YES) 

A Scale Model of the Earth if the Earth was the Size of a Basketball as of 2018-05-20

A Scale Model of the Earth if the Earth was the Size of a Basketball - Radius 12.0275 CM(4.73523622 inches)

Top of the Troposphere--0.038cm (0.015inches) 0.001 Ft
Top of the Stratosphere--0.113cm (0.045inches) 0.004 Ft
Top of the mesosphere--0.227cm (0.089inches) 0.007 Ft
STS-1(Perigee)--0.453cm (0.178inches) 0.015 Ft
STS-1(apogee)--0.474cm (0.187inches) 0.016 Ft
ISS(Perigee)--0.757cm (0.298inches) 0.025 Ft
ISS(apogee)--0.770cm (0.303inches) 0.025 Ft
Top of the Thermosphere--1.133cm (0.446inches) 0.037 Ft

The 50  closest  observed  NEO Earth close approaches as of  2018-05-20

01. The 2011-Feb-04 fly by of 2011 CQ1--10.347cm (4.074inches) 0.339 Ft
02. The 2008-Oct-09 fly by of 2008 TS26--11.816cm (4.652inches) 0.388 Ft
03. The 2004-Mar-31 fly by of 2004 FU162--12.351cm (4.862inches) 0.405 Ft
04. The 2016-Feb-25 fly by of 2016 DY30--14.978cm (5.897inches) 0.491 Ft
05. The 2017-Apr-04 fly by of 2017 GM--18.681cm (7.355inches) 0.613 Ft
06. The 2017-Oct-20 fly by of 2017 UJ2--21.756cm (8.565inches) 0.714 Ft
07. The 2011-Jun-27 fly by of 2011 MD--23.184cm (9.127inches) 0.761 Ft
08. The 2014-Jun-03 fly by of 2014 LY21--25.810cm (10.161inches) 0.847 Ft
09. The 2009-Nov-06 fly by of 2009 VA--26.590cm (10.469inches) 0.872 Ft
10. The 2012-May-29 fly by of 2012 KT42--27.263cm (10.734inches) 0.894 Ft
11. The 2017-Mar-02 fly by of 2017 EA--27.420cm (10.795inches) 0.900 Ft
12. The 2016-Sep-11 fly by of 2016 RN41--32.749cm (12.893inches) 1.074 Ft
13. The 2015-Sep-22 fly by of 2015 SK7--38.208cm (15.043inches) 1.254 Ft
14. The 2016-Jan-12 fly by of 2016 AH164--38.293cm (15.076inches) 1.256 Ft
15. The 2013-Dec-23 fly by of 2013 YB--39.225cm (15.443inches) 1.287 Ft
16. The 2017-Nov-26 fly by of 2017 WE30--44.815cm (17.644inches) 1.470 Ft
17. The 2016-Mar-11 fly by of 2016 EF195--47.677cm (18.771inches) 1.564 Ft
18. The 2008-Oct-20 fly by of 2008 US--50.052cm (19.705inches) 1.642 Ft
19. The 2004-Dec-19 fly by of 2004 YD5--51.949cm (20.452inches) 1.704 Ft
20. The 2013-Feb-15 fly by of 367943 Duende (2012 DA14)--52.259cm (20.574inches) 1.715 Ft
21. The 2015-Nov-15 fly by of 2015 VY105--53.303cm (20.985inches) 1.749 Ft
22. The 2016-Jan-14 fly by of 2016 AN164--57.900cm (22.795inches) 1.900 Ft
23. The 2010-Nov-17 fly by of 2010 WA--61.321cm (24.142inches) 2.012 Ft
24. The 2018-Jan-18 fly by of 2018 BD--61.859cm (24.354inches) 2.030 Ft
25. The 2015-Feb-17 fly by of 2015 DD1--62.075cm (24.439inches) 2.037 Ft
26. The 2014-Sep-07 fly by of 2014 RC--63.313cm (24.927inches) 2.077 Ft
27. The 2011-Feb-06 fly by of 2011 CF22--63.839cm (25.134inches) 2.094 Ft
28. The 2016-Sep-07 fly by of 2016 RB1--64.398cm (25.354inches) 2.113 Ft

Geosynchronous orbit--67.559cm (26.598inches) 2.216 Ft

29. The 2008-Nov-03 fly by of 2008 VM--75.248cm (29.625inches) 2.469 Ft
30. The 2004-Mar-18 fly by of 2004 FH--80.665cm (31.758inches) 2.646 Ft
31. The 2017-Oct-12 fly by of 2012 TC4--82.650cm (32.540inches) 2.712 Ft
32. The 2010-Oct-12 fly by of 2010 TD54--85.742cm (33.757inches) 2.813 Ft
33. The 2017-Jan-30 fly by of 2017 BH30--85.850cm (33.799inches) 2.817 Ft
34. The 2010-Nov-30 fly by of 2010 XB--87.847cm (34.586inches) 2.882 Ft
35. The 2013-Apr-18 fly by of 2013 HT25--89.662cm (35.300inches) 2.942 Ft
36. The 2017-May-04 fly by of 2017 JB2--93.008cm (36.617inches) 3.051 Ft
37. The 2014-Aug-31 fly by of 2014 RA--95.026cm (37.412inches) 3.118 Ft
38. The 2016-Apr-04 fly by of 2016 GN134--95.974cm (37.785inches) 3.149 Ft
39. The 2012-May-28 fly by of 2012 KP24--96.122cm (37.843inches) 3.154 Ft
40. The 2015-Apr-21 fly by of 2015 HD1--99.566cm (39.199inches) 3.267 Ft
41. The 2017-Oct-28 fly by of 2017 UL6--100.460cm (39.551inches) 3.296 Ft
42. The 2014-Mar-06 fly by of 2014 EC--104.224cm (41.033inches) 3.419 Ft
43. The 2009-Feb-27 fly by of 2009 EJ1--104.330cm (41.075inches) 3.423 Ft
44. The 2017-Aug-14 fly by of 2017 QP1--106.229cm (41.823inches) 3.485 Ft
45. The 2017-Mar-20 fly by of 2017 FN1--107.355cm (42.266inches) 3.522 Ft
46. The 2012-Mar-26 fly by of 2012 FS35--109.577cm (43.140inches) 3.595 Ft
47. The 2012-Jan-27 fly by of 2012 BX34--111.432cm (43.871inches) 3.656 Ft
48. The 2008-Mar-10 fly by of 2008 EF32--112.584cm (44.324inches) 3.694 Ft
49. The 2009-Oct-01 fly by of 2009 TB--119.071cm (46.878inches) 3.907 Ft
50. The 2007-Oct-17 fly by of 2007 UN12--119.600cm (47.087inches) 3.924 Ft

Light-second. 566.000cm (222.820inches) 18.568 Ft
Lunar distance (perigee)--673.000cm (265.000inches) 22.095 Ft
Lunar distance--714.000cm (281.000inches) 23.414 Ft
Lunar distance (apogee)--766.000cm (302.000inches) 25.128 Ft
Light-minute--34000.000cm (13400.000inches) 1114.101 Ft

Moon Equatorial radius--3.280cm (1.292inches) 0.108 Ft
Moon Equatorial radius Diameter--6.560cm (2.584inches) 0.215 Ft
Moon Equatorial  Circumference--20.600cm (8.117inches) 0.676 Ft

Earth radius--12.000cm (4.735inches) 0.395 Ft
Earth (Equatorial) diameter--24.100cm (9.470inches) 0.789 Ft
Earth (Equatorial) Circumference--75.600cm (29.752inches) 2.479 Ft

See the spreadsheet  The 50 closest observed NEO Earth close approaches as of 2018-05-20.xlsx

The NEO 2010 WC9 on 2018-05-10

The NEO 2010 WC9 on 2018-05-10 from Mayhill, New Mexico [New Mexico Skies](MPC Code H06)
 a stack of 13-60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images taken with iTelescope.net's
(T11 TEL 0.50-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2010 WC9 on 2018-05-10 from Mayhill, New Mexico [New Mexico Skies](MPC Code H06)
 a stack of 13-60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images taken with iTelescope.net's
(T11 TEL 0.50-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2010 WC9 on 2018-05-10 from Mayhill, New Mexico [New Mexico Skies](MPC Code H06)
 a stack of 13-60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images taken with iTelescope.net's
(T11 TEL 0.50-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
By Steven M. Tilley

If the  Earth was the Size of a basketball the flyby of the asteroid 2010 WC9  would be ~3.7 Meters(~12.2 feet) away. https://goo.gl/3SXrMg

Confirmation Images of the NEO 2018 HH2

The NEO 2018 HH2( ZH0A971) on 2018-04-24
from Sierra Remote Observatory, Auberry, California, USA (MPC U69)
a stack of 15 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2 images
taken with iTelescope.net's (T24 TEL 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD)
 By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2018 HH2( ZH0A971) on 2018-04-24
from Sierra Remote Observatory, Auberry, California, USA (MPC U69)
a stack of 15 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2 images
taken with iTelescope.net's (T24 TEL 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD)
 By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2018 HH2( ZH0A971) on 2018-04-24
from Sierra Remote Observatory, Auberry, California, USA (MPC U69)
a stack of 15 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2 images
taken with iTelescope.net's (T24 TEL 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD)
 By Steven M. Tilley

See: MPEC 2018-H89 : 2018 HH2

MPC Database
JPL Small-Body Database

Near Earth Objects - Dynamic Site

Confirmation images of the NEO 2018 HC1

A confirmation image of the NEO 2018 HC1 on
2018-04-21 from Siding Spring Observatory,
Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia. (MPC Q62)
a stack of 15 - 05 Second Luminance BIN2
images taken with iTelescope.net's
(T30 TEL 0.50-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
By Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation image of the NEO 2018 HC1 on
2018-04-21 from Siding Spring Observatory,
Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia. (MPC Q62)
a stack of 15 - 05 Second Luminance BIN2
images taken with iTelescope.net's
(T30 TEL 0.50-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
By Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation image of the NEO 2018 HC1 on
2018-04-21 from Siding Spring Observatory,
Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia. (MPC Q62)
a stack of 15 - 05 Second Luminance BIN2
images taken with iTelescope.net's
(T30 TEL 0.50-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2018 BY2 - Information Sheet

The NEO 2018 BY2 on 2018-03-31 from Mayhill, New Mexico
(New Mexico Skies) - (MPC Code H06) a stack of 9 - 20 Second Luminance 
BIN2 Images taken with iTelescope.net's
(T21 TEL 0.43-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2018 BY2 on 2018-03-31 from Mayhill, New Mexico
(New Mexico Skies) - (MPC Code H06) a stack of 9 - 20 Second Luminance 
BIN2 Images taken with iTelescope.net's
(T21 TEL 0.43-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2018 BY2 on 2018-03-31 from Mayhill, New Mexico
(New Mexico Skies) - (MPC Code H06) a stack of 9 - 20 Second Luminance 
BIN2 Images taken with iTelescope.net's
(T21 TEL 0.43-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2018 BY2 on 2018-03-31 from Mayhill, New Mexico
(New Mexico Skies) - (MPC Code H06) a stack of 9 - 20 Second Luminance 
BIN2 Images taken with iTelescope.net's
(T21 TEL 0.43-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2018 BY2 on 2018-04-02 from Sierra Remote Observatory,
Auberry, California, USA (MPC U69) a stack of 10 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2 Images
taken with iTelescope.net's (T24 TEL 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD) 
By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2018 BY2 on 2018-04-02 from Sierra Remote Observatory,
Auberry, California, USA (MPC U69) a stack of 10 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2 Images 
taken with iTelescope.net's (T24 TEL 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD) 
By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2018 BY2 on 2018-04-02 from Sierra Remote Observatory,
Auberry, California, USA (MPC U69) a stack of 10 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2 Images 
taken with iTelescope.net's (T24 TEL 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD) 
By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2018 BY2 on 2018-04-02 from Sierra Remote Observatory,
Auberry, California, USA (MPC U69) a stack of 10 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2 Images 
taken with iTelescope.net's (T24 TEL 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD) 
By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2018 BY2 on 2018-04-02 from Sierra Remote Observatory,
Auberry, California, USA (MPC U69) a stack of 10 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2 Images 
taken with iTelescope.net's (T24 TEL 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD) 
By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2018 BY2 on 2018-04-05 from Siding Spring Observatory,
Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia. (MPC Q62) a stack of 20 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2
 Images taken with iTelescope.net's (T27 TEL 0.70-m f/6.6 reflector + CCD)
By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2018 BY2 on 2018-04-05 from Siding Spring Observatory,
Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia. (MPC Q62) a stack of 20 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2
 Images taken with iTelescope.net's (T27 TEL 0.70-m f/6.6 reflector + CCD)
By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2018 BY2 on 2018-04-05 from Siding Spring Observatory,
Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia. (MPC Q62) a stack of 20 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2
 Images taken with iTelescope.net's (T27 TEL 0.70-m f/6.6 reflector + CCD)
By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2018 BY2 on 2018-04-05 from Siding Spring Observatory,
Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia. (MPC Q62) a stack of 20 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2
 Images taken with iTelescope.net's (T27 TEL 0.70-m f/6.6 reflector + CCD) By Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2018 BY2 on 2018-04-05 from Siding Spring Observatory,
Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia. (MPC Q62) a stack of 20 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2
 Images taken with iTelescope.net's (T27 TEL 0.70-m f/6.6 reflector + CCD)
By Steven M. Tilley

 Background

(as of 2018-04-06)

• Object: 2018 BY2
• Orbit Type: Apollo [NEO, PHA]
• Approximate Diameter: 210 m - 470 m ( 688.976  feet to 1541.995  feet) (Absolute Magnitude: H= 20.5)
• On the Sentry Risk Table: NO
• On the NEODyS CLOMON2 risk page: NO 
• First(Precovery) Observation was made: 2018 01 03.45659
• Discovery observation was made on: 2018 01 17.31782
• Discovery observation was made by Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala (MPC Code F51) The Discovery M.P.E.C.:MPEC 2018-B85 : 2018 BY2
• Last Observation (publish): 2018 04 05.42579 (at iTelescope Observatory, Siding Spring,  Australia (MPC Code Q62) )
• Data-Arc Span (publish):  days 92
• Number of Optical Observations(published):146
• Observatories Reporting (Published) Observations(MPC Code):
• (246) Klet Observatory-KLENOT, Czech Republic.
• (474) Mount John Observatory, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand. 
• (568) Mauna Kea, US/Hawaii. 
• (587) Sormano, Italy. 
• (691) Steward Observatory, Kitt Peak - Spacewatch, US/Arizona.
• (703) Catalina Sky Survey, US/Arizona.
• (711) McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis,US/Texas.
• (807) Cerro Tololo Observatory, La Serena,  Chile.
• (A48) Povegliano Veronese, Italy.
• (B74) Santa Maria de Montmagastrell, Spain.
• (F51) Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala,US/Hawaii.
• (H01) Magdalena Ridge Observatory, Socorro, US/New Mexico. 
• (H06) iTelescope Observatory, Mayhill, US/New Mexico.
• (H21) Astronomical Research Observatory, Westfield, US/Illinois.
• (H36) Sandlot Observatory, Scranton, US/Kansas.
• (H45) Arkansas Sky Obs., Petit Jean Mountain South, US/Arkansas.
• (I52) Steward Observatory, Mt. Lemmon Station,US/Arizona.
• (K61) Rokycany Observatory, Czech Republic.
• (L04) ROASTERR-1 Observatory, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
• (Q62) iTelescope Observatory, Siding Spring, Australia/NSW.
• (T05) ATLAS-HKO, Haleakala, US/Hawaii.
• (U69) iTelescope SRO Observatory, Auberry,
• (W89) Cerro Tololo-LCO Aqawan A #1, Chile.
• Perihelion Distance 1.014723117954455 (AU)
• Aphelion Distance: 2.264719569328387 (AU)
• Earth MOID (Earth center to NEO center): 0.04159 AU ((16.186 LD)), ( 975.57 Earth radii) or 3,866,032.024  miles ( 6,221,775.442 ( KM))
• Next Close-Approach to Earth:  Will safely pass Earth on 2018-Apr-11:
• Minimum Distance(Earth center to NEO center) of  0.0609381959952516 (AU) ( 23.715 (LD)), 1429.89 (Earth radii) or  5,664,559.202  miles ( 9,116,224.365(KM)) 
• Nominal Distance(Earth center to NEO center) of 0.0609437887594874 (AU) ( 23.718 (LD)), (1430.02  Earth radii) or 5,665,079.082 miles ( 9,117,061.03 (KM))
• Maximum Distance(Earth center to NEO center) of  0.0609493815227982 (AU) ( 23.72 (LD)), (1430.156443 Earth radii) or 5,665,598.962 miles (9,117,897.696 (KM))   

Confirmation Images of The NEO 2017 MC

A confirmation images of the NEO 2017 MC on 2017-06-18
from Mayhill, New Mexico (New Mexico Skies) (MPC Code H06),
a stack of 5-30 Second Luminance BIN2 Images taken with itelescope.net's
(TEL T11 0.50-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
(c) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation images of the NEO 2017 MC on 2017-06-18
from Mayhill, New Mexico (New Mexico Skies) (MPC Code H06),
a stack of 5-30 Second Luminance BIN2 Images taken with itelescope.net's
(TEL T11 0.50-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
(c) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation images of the NEO 2017 MC on 2017-06-18
from Mayhill, New Mexico (New Mexico Skies) (MPC Code H06),
a stack of 5-30 Second Luminance BIN2 Images taken with itelescope.net's
(TEL T11 0.50-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
(c) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation images of the NEO 2017 MC on 2017-06-18
from Mayhill, New Mexico (New Mexico Skies) (MPC Code H06),
a stack of 5-30 Second Luminance BIN2 Images taken with itelescope.net's
(TEL T11 0.50-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
(c) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation images of the NEO 2017 MC on 2017-06-18
from Mayhill, New Mexico (New Mexico Skies) (MPC Code H06),
a stack of 50-30 Second Luminance BIN2 Images taken with itelescope.net's
(TEL T11 0.50-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
(c) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation images of the NEO 2017 MC on 2017-06-18
from Siding Spring Observatory, Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia (MPC Code Q62),
a stack of 20-30 Second Luminance BIN2 Images taken with itelescope.net's
(TEL T31 0.50-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
(c) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation images of the NEO 2017 MC on 2017-06-18
from Siding Spring Observatory, Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia (MPC Code Q62),
a stack of 20-30 Second Luminance BIN2 Images taken with itelescope.net's
(TEL T31 0.50-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
(c) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation images of the NEO 2017 MC on 2017-06-18
from Siding Spring Observatory, Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia (MPC Code Q62),
a stack of 20-30 Second Luminance BIN2 Images taken with itelescope.net's
(TEL T31 0.50-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
(c) Steven M. Tilley

A confirmation images of the NEO 2017 MC on 2017-06-18
from Siding Spring Observatory, Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia (MPC Code Q62),
a stack of 60-30 Second Luminance BIN2 Images taken with itelescope.net's
(TEL T31 0.50-m f/6.8 reflector + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)
(c) Steven M. Tilley

Background

(as of 2017-06-18)

• Object: 2017 MC
• Approximate Diameter:  150 m - 380 m ( 492.126 feet to feet 1246.72)(Absolute Magnitude: H= 21.021)
• Orbit Type: Apollo [NEO] Potentially Hazardous Asteroid
• On the Sentry Risk Table: NO
• On the NEODyS CLOMON2 risk page: NO
• Discovery (First) observation was made: 2017 06 16.53663
• Discovery (First )observation was made by:  ATLAS-MLO(Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System)(MPC Code  T08) The Discovery M.P.E.C.: MPEC 2017-M15 : 2017 MC
• Last Observation(publish) was made: 2017 06 18.64005 (by iTelescope Observatory, Siding Spring   (MPC Code Q62 )
• Data-Arc Span(publish) :  2 days
• Number of Optical Observations(published) : 76 
• Observatories Reporting (Published) Observations(MPC Code):
• (104) San Marcello Pistoiese, Italy.
• (160) Castelmartini, Italy.
• (204) Schiaparelli Observatory, Italy.
• (595) Farra d'Isonzo, Italy.
• (926) Tenagra II Observatory, Nogales, US/Arizona.
• (B49) Paus Observatory, Sabadell, Spain.
• (B74) Santa Maria de Montmagastrell, Spain.
• (C23) Olmen,Belgium.
• (H06) iTelescope Observatory, Mayhill, US/New Mexico.
• (I93) St Pardon de Conques (N44.558708 W0.203000) France.
• (J69) North Observatory, Clanfield (N50.939011 W1.019700) UK.
• (J95) Great Shefford,UK.
• (K38) M57 Observatory, Saltrio, Italy.
• (K63) G. Pascoli Observatory, Castelvecchio Pascoli, Italy.
• (K88) GINOP-KHK, Piszkesteto, Hungary.
• (Q62) iTelescope Observatory, Siding Spring, Australia/NSW.
• (T08) ATLAS-MLO, Mauna Loa,US/Hawaii.
• (W25) RMS Observatory, Cincinnati,US/Ohio.
• (W34) Squirrel Valley Observatory, Columbus, US/North Carolina.
• (Y00) SONEAR Observatory, Oliveira, Brazil.

The Near-Earth Object 2016 WF9 , the Flyby, the Hullabaloo, and the Facts

The Discovery

An artist’s rendition of 2016 WF9 as it passes Jupiter’s orbit inbound
toward the Sun. Image: Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech

On 2016 November 27 at 6:27:07.77(UTC) the NEOWISE project took the first of a series of images of a "new object." A report for this new object was submitted to the Minor Planet Center(MPC) The "object"(with its observations) was posted to the NEO Confirmation Page. Observers from four other observatories submitted follow-up observations, and on 2016 November 30, 04:19 (UTC) the MPC issued a Minor Planet Electronic Circular (MPEC 2016-W125: 2016 WF9) announcing the discovery. This object was given the provisional designation 2016 WF9. This designation tells the world that this asteroid was discovered in the year 2016 during the half-month of November 16-30(W) and it was the 231st(F9) discovery of that half-month.

Follow-up After Discovery 

After the MPC had issued The Minor Planet Electronic Circular announcing the discovery, follow-up observations were made, and prediscovery observations were found adding up to a total of 61 observations spanning 111 days. Each observations records were in the sky 2016 WF9 was seen from the given location at the given time. Given that asteroid and comets follow the laws of planetary motion and move through the solar system in elliptical orbits each observation eliminates many  possibilities of where in the solar system the asteroid can be in the future. Near-Earth Object observational data is generally made available within 24 hours after it is submitted to the MPC.  Anyone who has the knowledge and the software can do their own orbit determination. The available observational data for 2016 WF9 rules out any impact for the foreseeable future.  It should also be noted that observations from other observatories serve as a cross check.

What set 2016 WF9 apart from other Near-Earth Objects is first it has a Tisserand Parameter of 2.893. Most asteroids have a Tisserand Parameter greater than 3, and most Jupiter Family Comets have a Tisserand Parameter between 2 and 3. In other words, it has a "comet-like" orbit.  The second thing about 2016 WF9 is it is rather dark. Given that  2016 WF9 has a "comet-like" orbit and is rather dark lends astronomers to believe it may have cometary origins; however, no cometary activity has been observed yet. 

2016 WF9 Comes to the  Attention of the General Public

On December 29, 2016, NASA call 2016 WF9 to the attention of the public at large by issuing the press release titled "NASA's NEOWISE Mission Spies One Comet, Maybe Two." The press release reported information about the comet C/2016 U1 NEOWISE and 2016 WF9 including information on an unremarkable close-approach and stated: "The trajectory of 2016 WF9 is well understood, and the object is not a threat to Earth for the foreseeable future." In the days that follow this story was picked up by other news outlets, some which blurred the line between journalism and creative writing.

Keep in mind as a story moves through the blogosphere it changes like the "telephone game." The original story is misread, poorly translated, misunderstood, etc. then rewritten by other writers with the wrong information. Then other writers then use the revised story as a source for new stories adding to the madness. One should seek out the original story(and see if it is reliable).

Background

(as of 2017-01-29 ) 

• Object: 2016 WF9
• Orbit Type:  Apollo [NEO] Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (NOTE: this is over hundreds if not  thousands of years) 
• Approximate Diameter:   270 m - 590 m( 885.827 feet to  1935.696 feet)(Absolute Magnitude: H= 20.2)
• On the Sentry Risk Table: No (Removed ) 2016-12-20 16:00
• On the NEODyS CLOMON2 risk page: No (Removed )
• First(Precovery) Observation was made: 2016 10 10.42213
• First(Precovery) Observed by: Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala (MPC Code F51) The Precovery  M.P.E.C.: MPEC 2017-A66 : DAILY ORBIT UPDATE (2017 JAN. 9 UT)
• Discovery (First) observation was made: 2016 11 27.26884
• Discovery (First )observation by: NEOWISE (MPC Code C51)The Discovery M.P.E.C.: MPEC 2016-W125: 2016 WF9
• Last Observation (publish): 2017 01 29.18221  (by  LPL/Spacewatch II (MPC Code 291 )  )
• Data-Arc Span (publish): 111 days
• Number of Optical Observations(published): 61
• Observatories Reporting (Published) Observations(MPC Code):
• (291) LPL/Spacewatch II, US/Arizona. 
• (474) Mount John Observatory, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
• (807) Cerro Tololo Observatory, La Serena, Chile. 
• (C51) NEOWISE
• (F51) Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala, US/Hawaii.
• (Q64) Siding Spring-LCOGT B, Australia/NSW.
• (T12) Mauna Kea-UH/Tholen NEO Follow-Up (2.24-m), US/Hawaii.
• Perihelion Distance: 0.9817420310009939(AU)
• Aphelion Distance:  4.759885397693941
• Earth MOID: 0.0145594 AU ( 5.666 (LD)) or 1,353,380.78  miles (2,178,055.239 (KM))
• Next Close-Approach to Earth:  Will safely pass Earth on 2017-Feb-25 at a Nominal Distance of  0.340740651006311 (AU) (132.607 (LD)) or  31,673,822.283 miles (50,974,075.848 (KM)) - to put things in perspective "If" the Earth Was the Size of a Basketball this would be  ~ 3,126.54 feet (952.97meters) away) 

Correction

This past has been corrected to show that 2016 WF9 was at one listed on the JPL Sentry and NEODyS risk list. see The Tracking News 30 November 2016 #2016 WF9 The author thanks the reader for the correction,

Useful Links:

• NASA's NEOWISE Mission Spies One Comet, Maybe Two.
• NASA’s WISE Spacecraft Spots Two New Near-Earth Objects
• Asteroid 2016 WF9 Position and Data Live - The Sky Live 
• Asteroid 2016 WF9 Information - The Sky Live
• NEOWISE detects two small objects approaching Earth's orbit 
• Will a Doomsday Asteroid Destroy Earth in February 2017? : snopes 
• Debunked: 2016 WF9 to hit Earth and trigger mega-tsunami next month
• Space Situational Awareness(ESA) -- 2016 WF9
• Near Earth Objects Dynamic Site--2016 WF9
• (MPC) Observations --2016 WF9
• JPL Orbit Diagram --2016 WF9
• 2016 WF9 - a simulation based on Jan 5th orbital params
• 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