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[-=CROMAN=-]

Near-Earth asteroid 2005 YU55 will pass within 0.85 lunar distances from the Earth on November 8, 2011.

I'll be watching out for Centaurs work on this one.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I have been wearing a hardhat since 2004.

[-=CROMAN=-]

Does it have a red light on it?

[Centaur]

Your wish is my command, croman777. I’ve created a chart for the positions of asteroid 2005 YU55 relative to the Earth and Sun and an animation at: www.CurtRenz.com/asteroids

[Paulie pchris00]

Apr 8, 2011 12:39:13 GMT -6 -=CROMAN=- said:

Does it have a red light on it?

Are you kidding?!? He has a red flashing light from a fire truck on it!!!


I've never seen a near Earth asteroid. This might be a good one for my first.

[Centaur]

I’ve created an Asteroid 2005 YU55 timetable with topocentric data in half-hour increments during the night of close passage specifically for the location of Chicago’s Adler Planetarium. It should well serve all Chicagoland observers. And I’ve added a daily chart in current equatorial coordinates in addition to the previously existing still and animated overhead views. All four can be seen at www.CurtRenz.com/asteroids

[magic612]

Nice work, Curt!

Joe, don't forget to replace the batteries on the red flashing light. Don't want any wardrobe malfunctions.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Batteries.....done.

[Centaur]

I calculate that when viewed from Chicago at the time of closest approach, the asteroid will appear to be traversing the background stars at 8.5 arcseconds per second of time, or 8.5 arcminutes (0.14°) per minute of time. A Full Moon is about 0.5° wide, and the asteroid will be sweeping that angular width in about 3.5 minutes.

The pilot is rumored to be Flash Gordon.

[Centaur]

Please note that the graphics have been updated to JPL's latest orbital solution. This particularly affected the timetable of topocentric data for Chicago: www.CurtRenz.com/asteroids

[Centaur]

For observers at Chicago’s Adler Planetarium, I calculate that the asteroid will appear to pass nearest the first magnitude star Altair at an angular distance of 1.846°, position angle 161.595° and zenith angle 156.933° on November 8 at 16:44:22 CST. That will be only seven minutes after sunset for that location. Position angle is measured counterclockwise from celestial north. Zenith angle is measured counterclockwise from the zenith.

For those using geocentric charts, you're reminded that parallax is a significant factor for such a close object. My timetable is specifically for the location of the Adler, although it should suit all Chicagoland observers: www.CurtRenz.com/asteroids