Lagniappe Observing

Oct 2, 2017

The Asteroid 2012 TC4 on 2017-10-01

The NEO 2012 TC4 on 2017-10-01 from
Sierra Remote Observatory. Auberry California USA (MPC U69)
a stack of 34-120 Second Luminance BIN2 Images
taken with iTelescope.net's
(TEL T24 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD)
(C) Steven M. Tilley

The NEO 2012 TC4 on 2017-10-01 from
Sierra Remote Observatory. Auberry California USA (MPC U69)
a stack of 15-120 Second Luminance BIN2 Images
taken with iTelescope.net's
(TEL T24 0.61-m f/6.5 reflector + CCD)
(C) Steven M. Tilley

Background

(as of 2017-10-01)

Object: 2012 TC4
Orbit Type: Apollo [NEO]
Approximate Diameter: 12m- 27 m (39.3701 feet to 88.5827 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 more information read Understanding Risk Pages by Jon Giorgini

Torino Scale 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: 2017-08-31 to 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): 2017 09 28.45648 (by the at Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala (MPC Code F51 ) )
Data-Arc Span (publish): 1820 days (4.98 years)
Number of Optical Observations(published):445
Observatories Reporting (Published) Observations(MPC Code):

(089) Nikolaev, Ukraine.
(104) San Marcello Pistoiese,Italy.
(113) Drebach, Germany.
(204) Schiaparelli Observatory,Italy.
(291) LPL/Spacewatch II, US/Arizona.
(300) Bisei Spaceguard Center-BATTeRS, Japan.
(309) Cerro Paranal, Chile.
(461) Szeged University, Piszkéstető Stn. (Konkoly), Hungary.
(470) Ceccano, Italy.
(695) Kitt Peak, US/Arizona.
(703) Catalina Sky Survey, US/Arizona.
(716) Palmer Divide Observatory, Colorado Springs, US/Colorado.
(718) Tooele (N40.641406 W112.295800) US/Utah.
(807) Cerro Tololo Observatory, La Serena,Chile.
(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) Harlingten Research Observatory, Rancho Hildalgo, US/New Mexico.
(G96) Mt. Lemmon Survey,US/Arizona.
(H01) Magdalena Ridge Observatory, Socorro, US/New Mexico.
(H06) iTelescope, Mayhill, US/New Mexico.
(H17) Angel Peaks Observatory,US/Colorado.
(H21) Astronomical Research Observatory, Westfield, US/Illinois.
(H36) Sandlot Observatory, Scranton, US/Kansas.
(J04) ESA Optical Ground Station, Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain).
(J16) An Carraig Observatory, Loughinisland,UK.
(J84) South Observatory, Clanfield,UK.
(J95) Great Shefford,UK.
(T09) Mauna Kea-UH/Tholen NEO Follow-Up (Subaru), US/Hawaii.
(T12) Mauna Kea-UH/Tholen NEO Follow-Up (2.24-m),US/Hawaii.
(U69) iTelescope SRO Observatory, Auberry, US/California.
(W85) Cerro Tololo-LCO A, Chile.

Perihelion Distance: 0.9339351095314381(AU)
Aphelion Distance:1.877536903700616(AU)
Earth MOID (Earth center to NEO center):0.000146791 AU (0.057( LD)), (3.446 Earth radii) or 13,645.076 miles ( 21,959.471 (KM))
Next Close-Approach to Earth: Will safely pass Earth on 2017-Oct-12 at a

Minimum Distance(Earth center to NEO center) of 0.000335152723175429(AU) (0.13(LD)), (7.8697 Earth radii) or 31,154.392 miles (50,138.134(KM))
Nominal Distance(Earth center to NEO center) of 0.000335252629744477(AU) (0.13(LD)), ( 7.8720 Earth radii) or 31,163.679 miles ( 50,153.08(KM))
Maximum Distance(Earth center to NEO center) of 0.000335352538623426(AU) (0.13 (LD)), (7.8744 Earth radii) or 31,172.966 miles (50,168.026(KM))

Goldstone Asteroid Schedule: Yes 2017 Oct ( Needs Astrometry: No Physical Observations 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
- 2012 TC4 Planning - JPL radar page
- The 2012 TC4 Observing Campaign
- Asteroid Flyby to Help NASA Observation
- Astronomical units to Earth radius (AU to RE)
- The 2012 TC4 Observing Campaign (University of Maryland)
- The Asteroid 2012 TC4 is Making a Safe Close-Approach on October-12-2017 Please Stand By For a Media Storm

Aug 7, 2017

The Asteroid 2012 TC4 Has Been Recovered

his animation depicts the safe flyby of asteroid 2012 TC4 as it passes under

Earth on Oct. 12, 2017. While scientists cannot yet predict exactly how

close it will approach, they are certain it will come no closer than 4,200

miles (6,800 kilometers) from Earth's surface.Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech

The observers O. Hainaut, D. Koschny, and M. Micheli using the 8.2-meter VLT (Very Large Telescope) at Cerro Paranal, Chile(MPC Code 309) have recovered the asteroid 2012 TC4. The asteroid was observed from 2017 07 27.2465042 to 2017 08 05.39707023 and five observations were taken. The new observations greatly lowers the uncertainty where it will be in the future.

Given the closeness of the October 12, 2017 close approach and the fact that 2012 TC4 is listed on risk list(for 2020 an beyond) created a buzz on the internet 2012 TC4. On July 28, 2017 NASA announced an observation campaign headed by Dr. Vishnu Reddy. NASA plans to close approach to test their "network of observatories and scientists who work with planetary defense."

Background

(as of 2017-07-06)

Object: 2012 TC4
Orbit Type: Apollo [NEO]
Approximate Diameter: 12 m - 27 m ( 39.3701 feet to 88.5827 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 more information read Understanding Risk Pages by Jon Giorgini

Torino Scale 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: 2017-08-31 to 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): 2017 08 05.397070(by the 8.2-meter VLT (Very Large Telescope) at Cerro Paranal, Chile(MPC Code 309) )
Data-Arc Span (publish): 1766 days (4.838 years)
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.
(309) Cerro Paranal, Chile
(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: 0.9337118172491301(AU)
Aphelion Distance: 1.877545179495153(AU)

Earth MOID (Earth center to NEO center): AU 0.000249707( (0.097 LD)), (5.86 Earth radii) or 23,211.716 miles ( 37,355.635 (KM))
Next Close-Approach to Earth: Will safely pass Earth on 2017-Oct-12 at a

Nominal Distance(Earth center to NEO center) of 0.000335174413034106(AU) (0.13(LD)), (7.87 Earth radii) or 31,156.408 miles ( 50,141.379 (KM))
Minimum Distance(Earth center to NEO center) of 0.000332681020635643(AU) (0.129(LD)), (7.81 Earth radii) or 30,924.633 miles (49,768.372 (KM))
Maximum Distance(Earth center to NEO center) of 0.000337670398414312(AU) ( 0.131(LD)), (7.93 Earth radii) or 31,388.424 miles (50,514.773 (KM))

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
2012 TC4 Planning - JPL radar page
The 2012 TC4 Observing Campaign
Asteroid Flyby to Help NASA Observation
Astronomical units to Earth radius (AU to RE)
The 2012 TC4 Observing Campaign (University of Maryland)
The Asteroid 2012 TC4 is Making a Safe Close-Approach on October-12-2017 Please Stand By For a Media Storm

Jul 21, 2017

There has been a request for spectra for on (457175) 2008 GO98

There has been a request for spectra for on (457175) 2008 GO98 on twitter I have been ask to try to get the world out

Calling all observers! Has anyone taken spectra on (457175) 2008 GO98? Will be very useful to solve the mystery of what is going on with it!
— Asteroid Analytics (@asteroidanalyst) July 21, 2017

Also see:

Jun 19, 2017

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 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 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.

Jun 1, 2017

A confirmation image of COMET C/2017 K4 (ATLAS) on 2017-05-29

A confirmation image of COMET C/2017 K4 (ATLAS) on 2017-05-29 a stack of 17-60 Second Luminance BIN1 images taken with iTelescope.net's (TEL T27 0.70-m f/6.6 reflector + CCD) at Siding Spring Observatory, Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia (MPC Code Q62). (c) Steven M. Tilley
See MPEC 2017-L04 : COMET C/2017 K4 (ATLAS) http://www.minorplanetcenter.net/mpec/K17/K17L04.html

May 23, 2017

Comet C/2015 V2 (JOHNSON) Look at You NOW.....

One of the cool things about observing comets and asteroids is one gets see how a comet's coma and tail develops as they approach perihelion. when Comet C/2015 V2 (JOHNSON) was on The Possible Comet Confirmation Page(PCCP) it was just small faint spot on CCD image now it is around magnitude 8 in range of a backyard telescope or nice set of binoculars.

An image of the Comet C/2015 V2 (JOHNSON) on 2017-05-23
from Mayhill, New Mexico (New Mexico Skies) (MPC Code H06),
a stack of 30-60 Second Luminance BIN1 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

An image of the Comet C/2015 V2 (JOHNSON) on 2017-01-26
from Mayhill, New Mexico (New Mexico Skies) (MPC Code H06),
a stack of 50-60 Second Luminance BIN1 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

Images from 2015-11-04

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

Feb 4, 2017

Eliminating Virtual Asteroids and Virtual Impactors for 2017 BL30

Astrometrica object verification window-- the NEO 2017 BL30

from Siding Spring Observatory, Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia. (MPC Q62)

a stack of 6 - 60-second luminance BIN2 images taken with iTelescope.net's

(TEL T27 0.70-m f/6.6 reflector + CCD)

NOTE with only a five days data-arc span there is "little" known about the NEO 2017 BL30, and the information in this post may become outdated. So one should always check the links for updates. Whenever an object is listed on one the risk lists (especially if it has a Torino Scale 1 or greater) and it is observable, observers will take a particular interest in it. In the coming days, it is possible there will be more follow-up observations and a search in archives for precovery observations. It is MOST likely this object will be removed from the risk lists. It could take observations over one or more orbital periods before we can reliably say where it will be from 2029 to 2088

Why observe asteroids?

One of the purposes of observing an asteroid is to reduce the orbital uncertainty of the asteroid. Each observations records were in the sky the asteroid was seen from the given location at the given time. Given that an asteroid's orbit and position within its orbital path determines where in the sky the asteroid can be seen from a location at a given time, many observations over an extended period of time can significantly reduce the orbital uncertainty.

Each asteroid will be found somewhere within its uncertainty region. If the asteroid as a well-known orbit the uncertainty region will be tiny however if the asteroid as a poorly known orbit the uncertainty region will be enormous and may wrap around the solar system more than once. The question is will the "uncertainty region" of the asteroid and the Earth collide, and if so what is the percentage of the uncertainty region will be taken up by the Earth. The greater the percentage, the greater the risk of impact. As more observations come in the size of the uncertainty region will get smaller this may increase the proportion of the uncertainty region that will be taken up by the Earth. Therefore the "risk" may increase before dropping to zero.

To this end observers from around the world painstakingly take observations of asteroids on the risk lists. Each set of observations eliminates many possibilities(virtual asteroids) where the asteroid may be in the future. Most likely after more observations come all the virtual impactors will be eliminated and 2017 BL30 will be removed from the risk lists.

Background

(as of 2017-02-03)

NOTE 99.93500000% chance 2017 BL30 will miss the Earth(i.e. NOT worry about it)

Object: 2017 BL30
Approximate Diameter: 56 m - 130 m ( 183.727 feet to feet 426.509)(Absolute Magnitude: H= 23.384)
Orbit Type: Apollo [NEO]- ~~Potentially Hazardous Asteroid~~
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(JPL): 1

"A routine discovery in which a pass near the Earth is predicted that poses no unusual level of danger. Current calculations show the chance of collision is extremely unlikely with no cause for public attention or public concern. New telescopic observations very likely will lead to re-assignment to Level 0."

On the NEODyS CLOMON2 risk page: yes
Torino Scale(NEODyS CLOMON2): 1
Discovery (First) observation was made: 2017 01 28.37792
Discovery (First )observation was made by: Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala (MPC Code F51 ) The Discovery M.P.E.C.: MPEC 2017-B125: 2017 BL30
Last Observation(publish) was made: 2017 02 02.61107 (by iTelescope Observatory, Siding Spring (MPC Code Q62 )
Data-Arc Span(publish) : 5 days
Number of Optical Observations(published) : 60
Observatories Reporting (Published) Observations(MPC Code):

(246) Klet Observatory-KLENOT. Czech Republic.
(595) Farra d'Isonzo, Italy.
(691) Steward Observatory, Kitt Peak - Spacewatch, US/Arizona.
(F51) Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala, US/Hawaii.
(H06) RAS Observatory, Mayhill, US/New Mexico.
(I52) Steward Observatory, Mt. Lemmon Station, US/Arizona.
(K88) GINOP-KHK, Piszkéstető, Hungary.
(Q62) iTelescope Observatory, Siding Spring, Australia/NSW.
(T12) Mauna Kea-UH/Tholen NEO Follow-Up (2.24-m), US/Hawaii.
(U69) iTelescope SRO Observatory, Auberry, US/California.

Perihelion Distance: 0.862683125221094 (AU)
Aphelion Distance: 1.404699667514954 (AU)
Earth MOID: 9.67363E-5 AU ( 0.038 (LD)) or 8,992.201 miles (14,471.544 (KM))-- to put things in perspective "If" the Earth Was the Size of a Basketball this would be 10.65(27.06 CM)
Next Close-Approach to Earth: Will safely pass Earth on 2017-Mar-09 at a Nominal Distance of 0.0629444338149308 (AU) (24.496 (LD)) or 9,416,353.271 5,851,050.658 miles (9,416,353.271 KM)) -- to put things in perspective "If" the Earth Was the Size of a Basketball this would be 577.63 feet(176.06)

Useful Links:

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Oct 2, 2017

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Jun 19, 2017

Jun 1, 2017

May 23, 2017

Feb 4, 2017