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Old 16-01-2015, 10:52 AM
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OzEclipse (Joe Cali)
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: '34 South' Young Hilltops LGA, Australia
Posts: 1,498
2004 bl86

Are you sure that Sky X calculates topocentric rather than geocentric coordinates? Makes a huge difference to the position for a NEO.

At its brightest, before dawn on Jan 27, the objects apparent position in the sky differs by some 2 degrees between Brisbane and Melbourne. It may only just be visible in 7x50 binoculars at its brightest to a keen experienced observer.

It will be visible over several nights but brightest on Jan 26. That night, it will move at approximately 1 degree per hour or to put it another way, through the diameter of the Moon ~ every 30 minutes. Its motion is perpendicular to the motion of the background stars.
Best policy is to generate coordinates for your specific location using the ephemeris service at :
http://www.minorplanetcenter.net

cheers
Joe
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