asteroid 2006 BQ6 will pay us a close visit this summer

[tony873004]

It seems they took Saturday off. There was no update for the 28th. The 29th's estimate distances this asteroid a bit more. A trend seems to be emerging.<br /><br />http://orbitsimulator.com/BA/2006bq6_1_29.GIF

 

[silylene old]

Both CLOMON and JPL removed this asteroid as a danger. The latest data shows is likely to pass 18 LD's away from earth, and no closer than 2.5LD's. (LD = lunar distance) <br /><br />I wonder what magnitude 2006BQ6 will be when it makes its closest pass this summer? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature" align="center"><em><font color="#0000ff">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</font></em> </div><div class="Discussion_UserSignature" align="center"><font color="#0000ff"><em>I really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function.</em></font> </div> </div>

 

[thalion]

^<br />If its distance were the only factor, using its given absolute magnitude of +19.4, it would be about +12.7. However, given that it will be nearly along the Sun-Earth line, its phase will be very slim (and probably in the daylight sky only, at that). I've guesstimated that if observed, its magnitude at closest approach will probably be in the ballpark of +16.

 

[tony873004]

For anyone interested in following the daily drama, and isn't bored with this yet, here's the update as of Jan 31.<br />http://orbitsimulator.com/BA/2006bq6_1_31.GIF

 

[centsworth_II]

The probability path looks like a pendulum, swinging past the Earth, and now headed back our way. Where will it come to rest? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[silylene old]

tony, thanks!<br /><br />Please keep track as this progresses, it is interesting. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature" align="center"><em><font color="#0000ff">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</font></em> </div><div class="Discussion_UserSignature" align="center"><font color="#0000ff"><em>I really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function.</em></font> </div> </div>

 

[robnissen]

Hopefully, we won't have Deep Impact Part Deaux in our back yard. <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[tony873004]

No data from Feb 1.<br />So much for the pendulum theory. Here's Feb 2's estimate.<br />http://orbitsimulator.com/BA/2006bq6_2_2.GIF<br />Why is there a part of me that gets disappointed when the estimates get farther from Earth? This is good news!

 

[tony873004]

http://orbitsimulator.com/BA/2006bq6_2_4.GIF<br />No data for Feb 3, but Feb 4 estimate shows they are converging on a trajectory. The error bar must be small now.

 

[silylene old]

yes they do seem to be converging.<br /><br />It's a close pass, about 5LD away. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature" align="center"><em><font color="#0000ff">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</font></em> </div><div class="Discussion_UserSignature" align="center"><font color="#0000ff"><em>I really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function.</em></font> </div> </div>