is a very bright micro-asteroid, classified as a near-Earth object of the Apollo group, less than in diameter. It was first observed by astronomers of the Catalina Sky Survey at Mount Lemmon Observatory, Arizona, on 4 February 2018, during its sub-lunar close encounter with Earth.
2018 flyby On 9 February 2018, the asteroid passed about from Earth, traveling relative to Earth and briefly reaching apparent magnitude 13. It was observed by the Goldstone Observatory, which constrained its size to no more than 20 meters.
During the flyby its period was changed from 1.48 years to 1.67 years.
Flyby gallery
Other flybys 's orbit is in Earth's neighborhood, so it frequently makes other close approaches to Earth like the 2018 one, although not usually as close. In 1953 (65 years or 44 orbits earlier), it passed from Earth, and in 2090 it will pass between and from Earth.
It also may have passed similarly near Earth in 1914, but the uncertainty in the 1953 approach makes it difficult to determine.
Physical characteristics
appears unusually bright for its size, suggesting it is made of brighter materials than the average asteroid.
See also List of asteroid close approaches to Earth in 2018
References
External links
Minor Planet Circulars of 2018 CB: MPEC (C12), 4 February 2018 MPEC (C25), 6 February 2018 MPEC (C44), 8 February 2018 MPEC (C44), 9 February 2018
Watch online as 2 asteroids sweep close this week (2018 CB and 2018 CC), EarthSky, 5 February 2018