2024 "Now & Laters"
Also take a look at past years for interesting images and projects.
I like to call my Images "Now & Laters".
Observe Now and Share Later.
Images are made from a live stack of many images usually around 3 seconds for each frame. The stack itself is around 3 Minutes in duration.A dark frame is removed for each frame during the live stack.Minimal processing is performed during the live stack. No post processing is performed on the final image.These images can also be browsed in the object image page.Clicking on an image will open the full size image in another page or a GalleryCheck back often as I work on projects in the observatory
April 2024
Adobe Scan Apr 19, 2024.pdfMEO received a certificate from the Astronomical Leagues for completing the "Target NEOs" observing program. I observed 10 selected asteroids over the last year to support spacecraft missions. They were selected by Carl Hergenrother the OSIRIS-REX mission lead astronomer. The criteria being easily reachable by sample return spacecraft and being a size over 200 meters.
This was a dynamic program where my observaions, images and astrometry measurements were sent immediately for the teams use as well as the Minor Planet Center. These were larger datasets than I normally use and I learned much from the program. Professional astronomers often rely on amateur astronomers for important observations as it is difficult for them to get time on large telescopes.
EARTH DAY ROCKET BODY ORBITAL DEBRIS
NEOCP
2024 HP
MEO was successful in contributing observations and astrometry on 2024-04-18 UT to confirm the new Near-Earth object CAG81X2 now designated 2024 HP. It is an Amor class NEO estimated at 239 meters in size with an Earth encounter velocity of 6.7259 Kilometers a second. We observed it at magnitude 17.9. It will make a close approach to Earth on 2023/05/24 and is classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid but poses no threat at this time. Next close approach will be 2067.
First reported by (G96) Mt. Lemmon Survey US/Arizona. on 2024-04-17.
Asteroid 2013 NK4 video of close approach to Earth
MEO captured a video of Asteroid 2013 NK4 on April 16 safely passing Earth at eight times the distance between the Earth and the moon. It's a big one at 610 meters or 2000 feet, about twice the size of the well known Apophis. It is classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid due to its size and proximity but astrometry from observatories around the world like MEO have the orbit confirmed to not be a threat to Earth for a long time. Its close approach allowed radar observations at Goldstone and it appears to be a bifurcated object or two asteroids in contact rotating very slowly giving it an elongated shape.
MEO was successful in contributing observations and astrometry on 2024-03-31 4.42 UT to confirm the new Near-Earth object NEOCP gb00686 now designated 2024 , It is an class NEO estimated at 2.6 meters in size with an Earth encounter velocity of 6.8628 Kilometers a second. We observed it at magnitude 18.9 moving at 30 "/Min.
First reported 2024 03 31 01.28 UT by observatory (L51) MARGO, Nauchnyi Ukraine.This was a very small object making a close approach and was just within MEO,s reach at that moment just three hours after its discovery.
M
#MinorPlanetCenter
#InternationalAsteroidWarningNetwork
Successfully Completed Astronomical League's Target NEO Program
Today I was awarded a certificate for completing the Astronomical League,s Target NEO program. Over the last year I completed observations on 10 asteroids from 140 objects selected by Carl Hergenrother, OSIRIS-REx lead astronomer. These are near earth objects "NEOs" that are more than 200 meters in size and easily reachable by sample return spacecraft.
In the process I reduced the data and made measurements "astrometry" which were submitted to the Minor Planet Center. These observations support spacecraft missions in progress and aid future mission designers and scientists. Citizen scientists’ astrometry and photometry data will enable scientists to test theoretical models about these objects to refine orbits and taxonomy. The observations represent important, real contributions to asteroid exploration.
I had some failures along the way and learned many things in the process that will help my work in the future. It was a great exercise and I hope that the team at the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary lab was able to make good use of the data and I hope to continue with the program. I am grateful to Dolores Hill and Dr. Carl Hergenrother for their dedication to this program and for making such citizen science opportunities available. I express my sincere appreciation to the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Lab and hope that my contributions proved beneficial to their research endeavors.
March 2024
Adobe Scan Mar 20, 2024 (7).pdfAdobe Scan Mar 20, 2024 (1) (1).pdfFor my friends not in the NEO community. NEOs are celestial bodies, primarily asteroids and comets, whose orbits bring them close to Earth. My observations play a role in refining the orbital calculations of these NEOs. This refined data is then utilized by astronomers to assess any potential threats these objects might pose to our planet. MEO's contribution directly supports ongoing efforts in planetary defense initiatives. The MPC serves as the central repository for data on minor planets, comets, and other celestial objects. Their work in tracking these objects, calculating their trajectories, and announcing new discoveries is vital for the astronomical community. MEO's role in confirming these discoveries strengthens the overall accuracy and effectiveness of NEO monitoring efforts.
Reaching this milestone represents countless hours of observation, data analysis, and a continuous learning curve. I am committed to continuous improvement, and over the past year, I have implemented significant refinements to my observation procedures and data analysis methods as well as pushing my modest equipment to its best performance.
The opportunity to contribute meaningfully to science and the planetary defense efforts is a significant reward in itself. However, I am also humbled to receive the Gold Award from the Astronomical League in recognition of this achievement. This recognition helps serve as a motivator as I strive to push onward.
MEO remains dedicated to its mission of contributing to the field of NEO observation. I look forward to many more sleepless nights filled with scientific inquiry, and playing a vital role in safeguarding our planet. I like to think of MEO as the little observatory that could!
Carpe Noctem
MEO was successful in contributing observations and astrometry on 2024-03-20 to confirm the new Near-Earth object NEOCP A11596A now designated 2024FK1, It is an Aten class NEO estimated at 21.9 meters in size with an Earth encounter velocity of 7.1889 Kilometers a second. We observed it at magnitude 18 moving at 24"/Min. The next close approach to Earth is 2033/03/17
https://www.minorplanetcenter.net/mpec/K24/K24F48.html
#MinorPlanetCenter
#InternationalAsteroidWarningNetwork
MEO was successful in contributing observations and astrometry on 2024-03-16 to confirm the new Near-Earth object NEOCP A114Syx = A1150cN now designated 2024ER4, It is an Apollo class NEO estimated at 13.5 meters in size with an Earth encounter velocity of 7.524 Kilometers a second. We observed it at magnitude 17.7 moving at 9"/Min. The next close approach to Earth is 2027/02/20.
https://www.minorplanetcenter.net/mpec/K24/K24F03.html
#MinorPlanetCenter
#InternationalAsteroidWarningNetwork
MEO was successful in contributing observations and astrometry on 2024-03-18 UTC to confirm the new Near-Earth object NEOCP A1151Ju now designated 2024FD It is an Apollo class NEO estimated at 13 meters in size with an Earth encounter velocity of 10.680 Kilometers a second. We observed it at magnitude 16.9 moving at 54"/Min. Cirrus clouds challenged the observations as a low weather system approaches as well as a target low air mass.
https://www.minorplanetcenter.net/mpec/K24/K24F15.html
#MinorPlanetCenter
#InternationalAsteroidWarningNetwork
MEO was successful in contributing observations and astrometry on 2024-03-17 to confirm the new Near-Earth object NEOCP A114W17 now designated 2024 EU4. It is an Apollo class NEO estimated at 152 meters in size with an Earth encounter velocity of 26.742 Kilometers a second. We observed it at magnitude 18.6 moving at 21"/Min.
https://www.minorplanetcenter.net/mpec/K24/K24F08.html
#MinorPlanetCenter
#InternationalAsteroidWarningNetwork
Taking a few minutes out of my minor Planet tracking to have visit with a few deep sky objects. This observing season has been marred by epic El Nino weather here in Florida. From my research I have found a few weather profectionslas that feel this has been the most overcast here in florida in 88 years. I am certain it has been the worst in recent memory for me. I have observed weather stretching from the pacific across the U.S. and the Gulf all the way over Florida all winter.
February 2024
The launch of Intuitive Machines’ IM-1 mission on board SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A in Florida 1:05 a.m. EST Thursday, Feb. 15 from the all sky camera at Minds Eye Observatory. Destination is the Moon. Note the sky and trees increased brightness even 60 miles from the pad. The first stage separation can be seen as well as the boost-back burn for the return to the cape. The camera was an zwoasi224mc with fisheye. 10 second exposures. It is usually used to monitor weather at the observatory.
Untitled video - Made with Clipchamp.mp4January 2024
New Years Fireworks! Taking a break from Minor planet tracking here is a screenshot of my live view. The great Orion Nebula M42 taken New years eve through clouds of firework smoke! So much smoke in fact, I received a air quality notice in my local area.
Image overview info:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orion_Nebula