The NEO 2015 TY178 on 2016-01-17

 Background

(as of 2016-01-17) 

•  Object: 2015 TY178
• Approximate Diameter: 130 m - 280 m (426.509 feet to 918.635 feet)( Absolute Magnitude:  H= 21.6 ) 
• Orbit Type:  Amor 
•  On the Sentry Risk Table:  No (Never has been listed )
• On the NEODyS CLOMON2 risk page: No
• On the Spaceguard Central Node's Priority List: Yes(LP)
• First Observed was made on: 2015 10 12.43095
• First Observed  By: Pan-STARRS 1 (MPC Code F51) The Discovery M.P.E.C.: MPEC 2015-T108: 2015 TY178
• Last Observed(publish): 2016 01 14.19687
• Data-Arc Span(publish) : 94 days
•  Number of Observations(publish):114
• Next Close-Approach:  Will safely pass Earth on 2016-Jan-24 at Nominal Distance of 0.121145767949222 AU (47.146 (LD))  or 11,261,202.657 miles or (18,123,148.928 KM)

 Astrometrica object verification window with a(1 of 3) stack of 10- 30 Second Luminance BIN2 Images taken with iTelescope.net's (T17 0.43-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD)  at MPC Code Q62 Siding Spring NSW Australia

 Astrometrica object verification window with a(2 of 3) stack of 10- 30 Second Luminance BIN2 Images taken with iTelescope.net's (T17 0.43-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD)  at MPC Code Q62 Siding Spring NSW Australia

 Astrometrica object verification window with a(3 of 3) stack of 10- 30 Second Luminance BIN2 Images taken with iTelescope.net's (T17 0.43-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD)  at MPC Code Q62 Siding Spring NSW Australia

Other Links:

• Near Earth Objects Dynamic Site--2015 TY178
• (MPC) Observations 2015 TY178 
• JPL Orbit Diagram 2015 TY178 
• NEO Earth Close Approaches (JPL)
• The Tracking News 
• NEO Coordination Centre

Comet C/2013 X1 (PANSTARRS) On 2016-01-15

Comet C/2013 X1 (PANSTARRS) On 2016-01-15 

 Background

(as of 2016-01-15)

•  Object:  C/2013 X1 (PANSTARRS)
• Orbit Type:  Hyperbolic Comet 
• First Observed  on: 2013 11 29.47333
• First Observed  By: Mt. Lemmon Survey (MPC Code G96)(Precovery -- discover by Pan-STARRS(MPC Code F51) ), (The Discovery M.P.E.C.: MPEC 2013-X29 : COMET C/2013 X1 (PANSTARRS))
• Last Observed(publish):2015 12 21.81935
• Data-Arc Span(publish) : 752 days (2.06 yr) 
•  Number of Observations(publish):1707

The Comet C/2013 X1(PANSTARRS) on 2016-01-15 from
Mayhill, New Mexico (New Mexico Skies) - (MPC Code H06) on 2016-01-15
a stack of 27-60 seconds Luminance BIN2
images taken with itelescope.net's
(TEL T21 0.43-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)

Astrometrica object verification window a 60 second Luminance BIN2 image(1 of 27) taken with itelescope.net's (TEL T21 0.43-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer) fromMayhill, New Mexico (New Mexico Skies) - (MPC Code H06)

Astrometrica object verification window a 60 second Luminance BIN2 image(9 of 27) taken with itelescope.net's (TEL T21 0.43-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer) fromMayhill, New Mexico (New Mexico Skies) - (MPC Code H06)

Astrometrica object verification window a 60 second Luminance BIN2 image(18 of 27) taken with itelescope.net's (TEL T21 0.43-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer) fromMayhill, New Mexico (New Mexico Skies) - (MPC Code H06)

Astrometrica object verification window a 60 second Luminance BIN2 image(27 of 27) taken with itelescope.net's (TEL T21 0.43-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer) fromMayhill, New Mexico (New Mexico Skies) - (MPC Code H06)

Other links:

• (MPC) Observations C/2013 X1 (PANSTARRS)  
• JPL Orbit Diagram C/2013 X1 (PANSTARRS)    
• Comet C/2013 X1 PANSTARRS - Heavens-Above 
• Comet C/2013 X1 (PANSTARRS) | TheSkyLive.com 
• C/2013 X1 ( PanSTARRS ) - Seiichi Yoshida's Home Page
•  C/2013 X1 (PANSTARRS) at perihelion(In The Sky) 
• CometBase. Light curve of comet C/2013 X1 (PANSTARRS)
•  Astroblog: Seeing Comet C/2013 X1 and its Outburst in Australia

M1-The Crab Nebula

M1-The Crab Nebula (c) Steven M. Tilley
24-300 seconds BIN1 Color using itelescope.net's Telescope 3
(SBIG ST-8300C (One Shot Color) CCD)

The NEO 2015 YC2 on 2016-01-10

 Background

(as of 2016-01-11)

•  Object: 2015 YC2
• Approximate Diameter: 56 m - 120 m (183.727 feet to 393.701 feet) ( Absolute Magnitude:  H= 23.4 )
•  Orbit Type:  Apollo 
•  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 infomation read  Understanding Risk Pages by Jon Giorgini
• On the NEODyS CLOMON2 risk page: Yes
• First Observed  on: 2015 12 19.27013
• First Observed  By: Mt. Lemmon Survey (MPC Code G96) ,  (The Discovery M.P.E.C.: MPEC 2015-Y67 : 2015 YC2)
•  Last Observed: 2016 01 11.36839
•  Data-Arc Span: 23 day
•  Number Oppositions : 1
•  Number of Observations Made:  90
• Next Close-Approach:  Will safely pass Earth on  2016-Jan-15 at  Nominal Distance of 0.0126600709130298 AU (4.93 (LD)) or1,176,827.112  miles or (1,893,919.651 KM)

(1 of 3) Stacks of 8 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2 images taken with  itelescope.net's (TEL T11 0.50-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)

(2 of 3) Stacks of 8 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2 images taken with  itelescope.net's (TEL T11 0.50-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)

(3 of 3) Stacks of 8 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2 images taken with  itelescope.net's (TEL T11 0.50-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)

(1 of 3) Stacks of 15 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2 images taken with Using itelescope.net's (TEL T21 0.43-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)

(2 of 3) Stacks of 15 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2 images taken with Using itelescope.net's (TEL T21 0.43-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)

(3 of 3) Stacks of 15 - 15 Second Luminance BIN2 images taken with Using itelescope.net's (TEL T21 0.43-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)

Other links:

• MPEC 2016-A91 : DAILY ORBIT UPDATE (2016 JAN. 10 UT)
• Near Earth Objects Dynamic Site--2015 YC2
• (MPC) Observations 2015 YC2 
• JPL Orbit Diagram 2015 YC2 
• NEO Earth Close Approaches (JPL)
• Graphic Tool Orbit animation (SpaceDys)
• The Tracking News 
• NEO Coordination Centre
• JPL NEO Program Sentry
• NEODyS CLOMON2 risk pages 
• list of removed objects 
• Palermo Technical Impact Hazard Scale
• The Torino Impact Hazard Scale
• Impact Risk Assessment: An Introduction

2015 YU9 --- The Asteroid Formerly Known As 2015 YB

The asteroid that was confirmed as a NEO, set to make a close approach of less than 0.2 lunar distances to Earth, which was given the provisional designations 2015 YB only to have its confirmation retracted, as been confirmed as a Hungaria asteroid (a type of Inner Main-belt object) and given the provisional designations 2015 YU9. The story of the close approach has echo across social media.   However, the story that was missed by many is a story how science works.

 

First Background on observing asteroid (and comet).

In the world of asteroid (and comet) observing a series of images of the sky is taken over period of time with telescope and CCD.  Then data reduction is done on the images looking for moving object.  The observer makes two or more observation for each moving object.   All “known” objects have a designation, if the observer knows the object’s designation the observation are made under their designation.   If it is an unknown object or in doubt an observer-assigned temporary designation is use.  The Minor Planet Center’s computers check any observer-assigned temporary designation to see they are “known” objects, if any are unknown and “their NEO score is 65” are posted to “The NEOConfirmation Page”(NEOCP) .   

Many observers watch the NEOCP and do follow-up observation on listed objects.   As more observational data comes in better orbital elements can be generated, the "unknown" object maybe shown to be a "known" object or shown to be "new" object. When there is there is enough observation to generate useful orbital elements the object is assigned a provisional designation by the Minor Planet Center, if the object is a NEO, a comet, or unusual a Minor Planet Electronic Circulars will be issue.  It is possible over time with additional observational data two or more provisional designations maybe link showing there are the same object.   After four well observed oppositions for main-belt (two to three for NEOs) asteroids are number (their permanent designation). 

 

The great thing about asteroid and comet observing is your work is a cross check and will be cross check by the work other observers.  A scary about asteroid and comet observing is your work is a cross check and will the work is cross check by other observers.  Therefore asteroid and comet observing requires healthy sense of pride in one work tempered by healthy sense humility.  As an observer I enjoy seeing additional observations of objects I follow and dread not seeing any additional observations of objects I followed. 

 A case of dread is in 2015 I reported observation using the observer-assigned temporary designation SMT000I (from H06) they where link to observations of a NEOCP object from G45 and assigned the provisional designations 2015TJ237 (Orbit type: Mars-crosser) I have been unable observe 2015 TJ237 and no one has  observed 2015 TJ237 since my observations. I think the observations of 2015 TJ237 from G45 should belong to (440043) 2002 QF24 (Orbit type: Mars-crosser).  When all is said and done observing  is done by (or at the direction) of humans and can be subject to errors and other observers can catch the errors.

Now Back to 2015 YB 

2015 YB was not an ordinary asteroid, it was to  make a close approach of less than 0.2 lunar distances to Earth so many observers  where looking  for it where it "should" be and did not find it so the errors where found and the confirmation was retracted. The object was  then returned to the NEOCP under its observer-assigned temporary designations. I have looked the object when it was 2015 YB so had to find it. I was able to image the object make observations and report the observations. Other observers also report the observations of the object. On 2015-12-31 the Minor Planet Center made a  notation on a cross-reference page  stating the object was   assigned  the provisional designations 2015 YU9 when MPEC 2015-Y95: DAILY ORBIT UPDATE (2015 DEC. 31 UT) was issue it list its orbit (Orbit type: Hungaria)

The NEOCP object WY032FF= 2015 YU9 (Inner Main-belt Asteroid)  from Siding Spring Observatory, Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia. (MPC Q62)a Stack of 5 - 120 Second Luminance BIN2 images Using itelescope.net's (TEL T27 0.70-m f/6.6 CDK astrograph + CCD) By Steven M Tilley

The NEOCP object WY032FF= 2015 YU9 (Inner Main-belt Asteroid)  from Siding Spring Observatory, Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia. (MPC Q62)a Stack of 5 - 120 Second Luminance BIN2 images Using itelescope.net's (TEL T27 0.70-m f/6.6 CDK astrograph + CCD) By Steven M Tilley

The NEOCP object WY032FF= 2015 YU9 (Inner Main-belt Asteroid)  from Siding Spring Observatory, Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia. (MPC Q62)a Stack of 5 - 120 Second Luminance BIN2 images Using itelescope.net's (TEL T27 0.70-m f/6.6 CDK astrograph + CCD) By Steven M Tilley

other links:

• Notes on how to begin your own astrometric program  (The Minor Planet Center)
• JPL Orbit Diagram 2015 YU9  

Where Have Gone you 2015 YB...I am where I should be the inner main-belt

There has been much talk on social media about a bus-size asteroid designate "2015 YB". What made 2015 YB newsworthy was that "know" astrometry(observational data)  when use for orbital calculation generated orbital elements (if valid) predicted a close approach of less than 0.2 lunar distances to Earth. However some of the observational data was erroneous. When other observers from around the try to do followup observation they could not find 2015 YB and starred asking why it was not where it would be if its orbital elements where if valid. So the bad observations where withdrawn, pre-discovery observations located and the designation 2015 YB was retracted  the object was returnd to the NEOCP under its observer-assigned temporary designations.  With the additional observations orbital elements could be generated that show that it has a  Hungaria-type orbit so it is not a NEO. On 2015-12-19 using the new orbital elements  I was able to image a object make observations and report  the observations.  Note objects on the NEOCP are  "preliminary until they appear on an MPEC or MPS" when the new designation  appears on an MPEC or MPS I will publish my images.

However  the designation was retracted  on Friday night (of weekend near Christmas) and  the close approach would have been hours away so many people did not get the word  and (most likely) pre-written stories where post to the net, and then the stories whould be share and re-share. JPL has remove the "phantom" 2015 YB from there web page... they shoud it is  not "real" when  more confirming observations come in to show that it is "real"  the object will get a designation and appear on an MPEC or MPS it will be put back on the JPL web page( I do not work there can not say why it would not be there).

It did not hit the Erth, the two(2014 AA and 2008 TC3) SMALL "asteroid" that where known before hiting Earth have designations and can be found on JPL web page (2014 AA and 2008 TC3) .

Asteroid 2015 YB an Asteroid that will NOT brush by the Earth on 2015-12-19

As amateur astronomer I enjoy making and observation reporting asteroids and comets. When they are in the news it makes it  more enjoyble. On 2015-12-17 read  a messages from Bill Gray of Project Pluto on the The Minor Planet Mailing List {MPML} about an interesting object on the  NEO Confirmation Page. Later in the day The Minor Planet Center issue Minor Planet Electronic Circular(MPEC): MPEC 2015-Y15 : 2015 YB announcing the discovery 2015 YB.  What made 2015 YB an interesting object is the it would have  passed with in 0.2 Lunar Distances of Eath. Goldstone  requested astrometry to aid in their radar observations of 2015 YB.

So I gave it a go  first did run of 30 - 60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images on on itelescope.net's  (TEL T18 0.32-m f/8.0 astrograph + CCD) at AstroCamp Observatory. Nerpio, Spain (MPC Code I89) however I had a bad  set of orbital elements. Leter on 2015-12-18 with better set of orbital elements did second  run 30 - 60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images (T18) with no luck. Then I try a run  14 - 60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images on on itelescope.net's (TEL T24 0.61-m f/6.5 astrograph + CCD)  Auberry California USA - MPC U69. It was time for bed I call it a night.

 On the monring of the 2015-12-18 I check MPEC 2015-Y19 : DAILY ORBIT UPDATE (2015 DEC. 18 UT) and saw that there were no new observations of  2015 YB and then check the NEOCP Blog and found that other observers could not find "2015 YB".  It turn out that an observer reported observations that where false detections.  On 2015-12-19 MPEC 2015-Y31 : RETRACTION OF 2015 YB was issue, stating that the designation 2015 YB was being retracted, poor observations being thrown out, object was returnd to the NEOCP under its observer-assigned temporary designations, other technical details, and that it had Hungaria-type orbit (not a NEO so no brush by the Earth on 2015-12-19 )

I was hoping make blog post showing images of Asteroid 2015 YB and tell you about how it will  brush by the Earth on 2015-12-19. However I can not because I will not. 

I am part of community of independent observers and that is the real enjoyment.

Confirmation images of Comet C/2015 V2 (JOHNSON) on 2015-11-04

The comet C/2015 V2 (JOHNSON) was discovered on 2015-11-03 by  Jess A. Johnson at the Catalina Sky Survey( MPC Code 703).  While C/2015 V2 (JOHNSON) was on the Possible Comet Confirmation Page in an effort to help in the confirmation  I obtain a total of  18-- 60 Second Luminance BIN2 Images (in two runs) on itelescope.net's   (TEL T11 0.50-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer) at Mayhill, New Mexico (New Mexico Skies) - MPC H06 and created 4 stacks of  4 images with Astrometrica.

Confirmation image of Comet C/2015 V2 (JOHNSON) on 2015-11-04 05:18:08 (UTC)
4 x 60 Sec Stacked @ 0.292 "/min P.A. 13.7 MPC Code H06 using itelescope.net's
(TEL T11 0.50-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer) (c) Steven M. Tilley

Confirmation image of Comet C/2015 V2 (JOHNSON) on 2015-11-04 05:23:13 (UTC)
4 x 60 Sec Stacked @ 0.292 "/min P.A. 13.7 MPC Code H06 using itelescope.net's
(TEL T11 0.50-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)(c) Steven M. Tilley

Confirmation image of Comet C/2015 V2 (JOHNSON) on 2015-11-04 07:00:27 (UTC)
4 x 60 Sec Stacked @ 0.292 "/min P.A. 13.1 MPC Code H06 using itelescope.net's
(TEL T11 0.50-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)(c) Steven M. Tilley

Confirmation image of Comet C/2015 V2 (JOHNSON) on 2015-11-04 07:08:00 (UTC)
4 x 60 Sec Stacked @ 0.292"/min P.A. 13.1 MPC Code H06 using itelescope.net's
(TEL T11 0.50-m f/6.8 astrograph + CCD + f/4.5 focal reducer)(c) Steven M. Tilley

Other links:

•  The Discovery M.P.E.C.: PEC 2015-V44 : COMET C/2015 V2 (JOHNSON) 
• (MPC) Observations of C/2015 V2 
• JPL Orbit Diagram C/2015 V2 (Johnson)   
• New Comet: C/2015 V2 (JOHNSON)