Near-Earth object 2020 SO: rotation and time-lapse – 01 Dec. 2020
We present a time-lapse and a lightcurve of 2020 SO, very likely the booster involved in the launch of the Surveyor 2 spacecraft to the Moon in 1966. See how it was blinking! After...
The Virtual Telescope Project 2.0 Blog
Near-Earth object 2020 SO extremely close encounter: image and rotation – 01 Dec. 2020.
Earlier today, we managed to capture 2020 SO, likely the booster of the Surveyor 2 space mission. We could also detect evidence of its spin rate and we share our imagery with you. The...
Comet 29P/Schwassmann–Wachmann: evolution after a bright outburst (21, 22 and 23 Nov. 2020)
After a couple of years since our previous visit, we imaged comet 29P/Schwassmann–Wachmann again, covering its evolution for a couple of nights, after one of its typical outbursts. Each of the three images above...
Near-Earth object 2020 SO extremely close encounter: a image – 22 Nov. 2020
Next 1 Dec. 2020, the near-Earth object 2020 SO will safely have a extremely close encounter with our planet, coming as close as 50000 km (13% of the average lunar distance). Curiously, it is...
2020 SO extremely close encounter: asteroid or Surveyor 2 rocket booster? Online observations – 30 Nov. 2020
On 1 Dec. 2020, the near-Earth object 2020 SO will have a extremely close, but safe, encounter with us, coming at about 50000 km from the Earth, 13% of the average lunar distance. We...
The Moon visits the giant planets, Jupiter and Saturn – 19 Nov. 2020
On 19 Nov. 2020, the Moon met Jupiter and Saturn, at sunset: here we share a few images from Rome of that magic rendez-vous. After the super meeting a few days ago at dawn...
Near-Earth asteroid 2020 VX4 very close encounter: a image – 17 Nov. 2020
On 18 Nov. 2020, the near-Earth asteroid 2020 VX4 had a very close, but safe, approach with our planet, reaching a minimum distance from the Earth of about 400000 km, marginally more than the...
The Moon, Venus and Mercury: a early morning meeting – 13 Nov. 2020
Moon, Venus and Mercury did it again: a nice meeting in the sky, early in the morning. Here they are a few images. Every time the Moon is close in the sky to a...
Near-Earth asteroid 2020 VP1 extremely close encounter: a image – 10 Nov. 2020
A couple of hours ago, the near-Earth asteroid 2020 VP1 had a extremely close, but safe, approach with our planet, reaching a minimum distance from the Earth of about 184000 km, 0.48 times the...
Halloween Blue Moon 2020: a very special treat – 31 Oct. 2020
Now that the Halloween Blue Moon has gone, of course without any hint of that color, I could look at the images more carefully. Well, the Moon had a special treat for us: it...
The Halloween Blue Moon 2020: online observation – 31 Oct. 2020
Next 31 Oct. will bring us a so-called “Blue Moon“. Nothing to do with the color of the Moon, of course, it is just “an additional” one. For sure, it will put on its...
The Geminid Meteor Shower 2020: online event – 13 Dec. 2020
Next 13/14 Dec. 2020, the Geminid meteors will put their great show back in the sky. This year, the Moon will be new, so we have the best, darkest conditions for a memorable experience:...
Near-Earth asteroid 2020 UF3 extremely close encounter: a record setting observation- 22 Oct. 2020
Earlier today, the near-Earth asteroid 2020 UF3 safely came very close to our planet, reaching a minimum distance from the Earth of about 42000 km, 11% the average distance of the Moon. It was...
Near-Earth Asteroid 2020 UF3 extremely close encounter: online observations – 22 Oct. 2020
On 22 Oct. 2020, the near-Earth Asteroid 2020 UF3 will have a extremely close, but safe, encounter with us, coming at about 42000 km from the Earth, 11% of the average lunar distance. The...
