Will we be able to see Asteroid 1998 QE2?

[TheAstroChannel (Sean)]

So, since i missed our last encounter with an asteroid, i would like to know if we are able to see Asteroid 1998 QE2, it is nearly 3km and will be passing at about 5.8 million kilometers from Earth on the 31st of May.
Here is a NASA article on the Asteroid:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/as...d20130515.html

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Can't answer that but I just hope we get some 'no-cloud' nights around then because it will be fun trying.

[Rob_K]

Suzy has a thread on it here:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?t=107466

The simple answer is yes and it will be well-placed for southern observers at its brightest (~mag 10.7). At the point of its closest approach it will be in light dawn skies and not visible to us. However it will continue to brighten for a day or two as it recedes (increasing phase angle). At maximum brightness (02 June according to the JPL ephemeris - around 6:30pm EST, UT+10) it will be in dark evening skies in Libra. Attached is a Starry Night-generated diagram of its position from my place at 7:00pm. Below is a link to the JPL ephemeris:
http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/sbdb.cgi?sstr=1998%20QE2&orb=1

Good luck!

Cheers -