Huge asteroid to fly closely past Earth

That is so weird!! posted at the same time!

I noticed that, but our respective subject lines had vastly different implications!

Though, we shall see I suppose.

Except this one was posted by someone who can read.

On the morning of Monday, July 3 the Earth will be buzzed by 400-metre asteroid designated 2004 XP14. Close approach will be about 400,000 km… about the same distance as the Moon! Please see the reverse for a chart of its motion. Until July 1 XP14 will be hiding in the southern constellation of Caelum, below our horizon. But during the daylight hours of July 2nd and into the evening, XP14 will shoot right up into Triangulum and rise in the northeast after midnight on Monday morning. Fortunately for us, it’ll be a holiday long weekend! Take Monday off to sleep in, if you have a 4.5-inch or larger telescope this will be worth checking out. 2004 XP14 will appear to be about 11th magnitude, and it will cross more than 7 arc-seconds per second. It will be crossing an angle equivalent to the size of the full moon in less than ten minutes. To find it, pick a star from the chart that is within one eyepiece radius of the asteroid’s path, and wait for it to swing through.

[link to toronto.rasc.ca]

The July flyby of Apollo Asteroid 2004 XP14



This coming July features a spectacular flyby of the near-Earth Apollo asteroid 2004 XP14. Like the flyby of 2002 NY40 in 2002, 2004 XP14 will amaze visual observers with incredible speed visible in medium size telescopes.



Near close approach around 4h44m UT July 3, this 600-meter/yard diameter asteroid

Passes only 268,873 miles from the Earth, only 1.1 times the distance to the moon away.

Peaking at visual magnitude 11.1 four hours later, users of telescopes of 6 inches (15cm)

or larger can enjoy observing a rare celestial treat. At time of close approach, 2004 XP14

races along at 8.323 degrees per hour, or a mean lunar diameter every four minutes!

Such a rapid speed results in direct motion becoming visible, second by second. Just

as naked eye Earth satellites are seen crossing the sky, 2004 XP14 will both amaze and

challenge the observer, both visually and those taking images.



Visual observing this event presents a sight very few have seen in the eyepiece.

I found observing 2002 NY40 quite different from all my other 79 near-Earth objects, as I had to find a field ahead of it path and wait for it to arrive. The same method is best for success with 2004 XP14, traveling even fast then 2002 NY40. Even knowing when it was about to arrive, 2002 NY40 seemed to “come from nowhere” in the eyepiece. The same is to be expected with 2004 XP14.



Moving at so fast a speed, the observer would hardly be able to spot the field of view, note the exact time, and then move their eyes to the spot where the asteroid is expected.

It is perhaps possible to chase down this asteroid by following the expected path, but this will prove very difficult indeed.



Successful observation of this object should be possible by the following methods.



1. Computers printed star charts.

A series of maps should be made, centered every 15 minutes you expect to observe.

These will have to include the asteroid’s path and use up to date orbital elements which

your software suggests.



2. The asteroid path should be 1 degree both sides of your maps center. This will allow the observer 8 minutes of observing both sides of the center position on the map. Should you be unable to spot the asteroid over this time period, you can move along to the next map center.

If your software allows, mark every two minutes of time on the asteroid path line.



3. Have an atomic clock for time keeping, every second counts here. Use the best time keeping you can.



4. Holding your charts correctly! My Easyview star chart holder at http: //www.lpl.arizona.edu/~rhill/alpo/minplan/easy/easyview.html
​



is a hands free method of holding charts correctly for this and any observing event. Orientation

of the star fields is as important as clear skies. Without this, the star field will be impossible

to observe correctly. Even with this chart holder, orientation will take longer then you might

think, taking time away from your seeking the asteroid in the field of view. Putting together

this chart holder for this event is well worth the time and effort, and need not be expensive.



5. Observe star chart fields in advance. Taking the time to find each field of view for all

star charts a night or two in advance will greatly help your chances of spotting 2004 XP14.

Since you will not be pushed for time, try to spot them all, in the order you will try to track

the asteroid. Then repeat again if possible. Much time can be saved on the night of observation

this way.





6. The telescope. While an 11th magnitude object, rapid motion can reduce observed

apparent magnitude somewhat. A six-inch telescope may do well to track this, but 8 inches

or more will be better. Your mount will also play a large role tracking it. Also, the light

from the asteroid may vary in magnitude due to rotation. Loss of a full magnitude is possible. It may even drop below the limit of your telescope for a time and them rise again, keep looking!

[link to www.lpl.arizona.edu]

When it comes to the mass media, those who can read THROUGH the lines can truly read

Indeed, I consider myself able to read the lines as well as between them!

Interesting what they're saying about it on other forums. For instance, Eric Juliens' site:

[link to forum.savelivesinmay.com]

"Near close approach around 4h44m UT July 3, this 600-meter/yard diameter asteroid Passes only 268,873 miles from the Earth, only 1.1 times the distance to the moon away. Peaking at visual magnitude 11.1 four hours later, users of telescopes of 6 inches (15cm) or larger can enjoy observing a rare celestial treat."

Anyone notice the numbers!?

Oooh, must mean something right?

Edited my msg after your reply!

Threw an extra word 'be' in there.

Tongue 'n' cheek of course.

Mabus dies and a rock goes flying by so it must be the end.

I know. I was laughing at your sarcasm.

Thanks! Nice to know I'm not alone in my thinking!

Another good site:

[link to hea-www.harvard.edu]

Edit to add another:

[link to www.hohmanntransfer.com]

What is the matter with these people?

[link to www.rr-bb.com]

That has GOT to be one of the more stupid comments made here.