2024 "Now & Laters"

I like to call my Images "Now & Laters".

Observe Now and Share Later.

Check back often as I work on projects in the observatory

Mind's Eye Observatory in the Press Click Here

December 2024

Mind's Eye Observatory would like to wish everyone clear skies and a happy, healthy New Year as we accompany many other objects for another trip around our sun!

In December, we assisted in confirming 14 new asteroids in our solar system, listed below. Some of these new objects are shown in this video that runs forward one year. Of these new objects, 2024 XC is currently on the risk list.

Currently, there are 1731 objects categorized as a risk due to a non-zero probability of impact with Earth, shown here as green markers. The risk list is constantly changing as new observations refine orbits and we add to the observational arc, further refining their orbits.

2024 WC18 = A11eXj7 (Dec. 2.50 UT) [see MPEC 2024-X30]

2024 XC = A11f2ud (Dec. 2.22 UT)

2024 XL = Sar2789 (Dec. 2.89 UT) [see MPEC 2024-X46]

2024 XH1 = A11f7Zb (Dec. 4.07 UT) [see MPEC 2024-X77]

2024 XL2 = P2230qa (Dec. 4.81 UT) [see MPEC 2024-X106]

2024 XC2 = CCE9U22 (Dec. 4.59 UT) [see MPEC 2024-X97]

2024 WV51 = A11fke4 (Dec. 8.12 UT) [see MPEC 2024-X216]

2024 XD15 = P223svZ (Dec. 10.11 UT) [see MPEC 2024-X267]

2024 YF = CCHE8C2 (Dec. 20.73 UT) [see MPEC 2024-Y19]

2024 YC = A11fU4K (Dec. 20.64 UT) [see MPEC 2024-Y16]

2024 YL = CCHQ6K2 (Dec. 21.58 UT) [see MPEC 2024-Y25]

2024 YM = A11fW5G (Dec. 21.58 UT) [see MPEC 2024-Y26]

2024 YJ3 = MHD2344 (Dec. 25.98 UT) [see MPEC 2024-Y104]

C445XZ1

2024 YJ11 = CCM3TQ2 (Jan. 1.68 UT) [see MPEC 2025-A10]

Sar2799 2024/ 2025! by friend Krisztián Sárneczky Budapest being confirmed.

NEOCP Sar2799 = 2024 --

Sar2799 = 2024 --

Discovery by friend Krisztián Sárneczky Budapest

November 2024

August 2024

2024 Qa2 NEOCP ZTs0273

I had a successful first night out with NEOPlanner. I had a rare summer sky opportunity to open the observatory. I had planned to do some trials with NINA and NEOPlanner since both are new software to my workflow but it went so well I went on to successfully do a short image run. A bonus!MEO was successful in contributing observations and astrometry on 2024-09-31 UT to confirm the new Near-Earth object NEOCP ZTs0273 now designated 2024 Qa2. It is an Amor class NEO estimated at 40.9 meters in size with an Earth encounter velocity of 13.5530 km/s. We observed it at magnitude 17.8 moving at 45.38 "/Min. First reported By (W68) ATLAS Chile, Rio Hurtado (S30.471010 W70.764980) Chile. See MPEC 2024-Ro2.The next close approach to earth will be 2060/08/27

July 2024

MEO was successful in contributing observations and astrometry on 2024-07-06 UT to confirm the new Near-Earth object NEOCP A1183YY now designated 2002 MR3. It is an Apollo class NEO PHA estimated at 165.7 meters in size with an Earth encounter velocity of 19.8011 km/s. We observed it at magnitude 17.6 moving at 14.78 "/Min. First reported BY (F52) Pan-STARRS 2, Haleakala (N20.707382 W156.255910) US/Hawaii. See MPEC 2024-N77.
The next close approach to earth will be 2035/07/06

June 2024

MEO was successful in contributing observations and astrometry on 2024-06-06 UT to confirm the new Near-Earth object NEOCP C43AQA1 now designated 2024 LJ1. It is an Aten class NEO estimated at 29.6 meters in size with an Earth encounter velocity of 10.0928 km/s. We observed it at magnitude 18.3 moving at 17.67 "/Min. First reported BY (T08) ATLAS-MLO, Mauna Loa (N19.536150 W155.576050) US/Hawaii..

See MPEC 2024-L72.

The next close approach to earth will be 2026/10/27

#InternationalAsteroidWarningNetwork

#MinorPlanetCenter

May 2024

MEO was successful in contributing observations and astrometry on 2024-05-28 UT to confirm the new Near-Earth object NEOCP ZTs0226 now designated 2024 KP, It is an Apollo class NEO estimated at 28.4 meters in size with an Earth encounter velocity of 12.0481 Kilometers a second. We observed it at magnitude 17.9 moving at 51"/Min. First reported by Observatory (I41) Palomar Mountain--ZTF (N33.357336 W116.859780) US/California.

See MPEC 2024-K113

Next close approach to Earth is 2034-Nov-14.

#InternationalAsteroidWarningNetwork

#MinorPlanetCenter

Aurora in Florida! Just incredible!

MEO 2024 May 10

After multiple solar coronal mass ejections and flares we reached an Kp index of over 9! Aurora was seen as far as the Florida keys.

All the action was mostly from sunspot group 0000 as it rotated East on the solar face as we reach solar maximum cycle in the next year. Aurora this strong hasn't happened in years. The red color indicates the altitude the excited oxygen is at.

North is at top. The pillars or curtains are easily visible reaching down from high overhead. The weather station is the mast visible at the top attached to the observatory.

MEO after the Aurora was done.

SpaceX

Falcon 9 Block 5

Falcon 9 staging with fairing ejection and second stage merlin vacuum burn.

Starlink deployment mission

South Easterly launch over MEO during the solar storm of 2024.

Bright star Arcturus is visible at the top left.

First stage shutdown

Staging and merlin vacuum burn

Total Solar Eclipse 2024 Upstate New York

In the shadow!

10 seconds later! The difference is easily visible how fast the shadow is moving and changing

April 2024

Adobe Scan Apr 19, 2024.pdf

MEO 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.

#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).pdf

Adobe Scan Mar 20, 2024 (1) (1).pdf

Mind's Eye Observatory (MEO), designated W42 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in my ongoing contribution to planetary defense efforts. I have surpassed a key achievement by observing and contributing astrometry data for over 100 Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) to the Minor Planet Center (MPC). My contributions extend beyond tracking known NEOs. I have actively participated in confirming the discoveries of newly identified NEOs as well.
For 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

MEO was successful in contributing observations and astrometry on 2024-03-12 to confirm the new Near-Earth object NEOCP C431Q31 now designated 2024 EH3. It is an Apollo class NEO estimated at 33 meters in size with an Earth encounter velocity of 10.000 Kilometers a second. We observed it at magnitude 17.4 moving at 27"/Min.Sky conditions challenged the observations again as has been the trend this winter observing season.https://www.minorplanetcenter.net/mpec/K24/K24EF8.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.mp4

January 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