Phaethon

This interesting asteroid is at its closest and brightest this week since it was discovered in 1983. It also gets closer to the Sun than any other named asteroid and the result is none other than the Geminid meteor shower! Here is a dslr pic from last night (circled) when it was virtually at the zenith, with tracking awkward. Est mag 11.3 and will brighten to 10.7 later in the week. Distance 12 million miles on its way to closest approach at 6.4 million -



Finbarr.

Well caught Finbarr. It was close to Capella. I caught a few images myself on the 10th Dec and put a short video up on Utube, Phaethon

I knew you'd come up with a class video John, thanks. Clouded out last night for closest approach, tonight looks better.

Finbarr.

Great viewing last night, motion was obvious within 30 seconds or so. That's it now, we won't see it as bright again until 2093.

Congratulations, Finbarr!!

Happy Christmas and clear skies in 2018.
(Well some anyway)

Aubrey.

And the very same to you Aubrey :scope: