Astrometric observations of the Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (52768) 1998 OR2 near its maximum approach to earth

Abstract

Our team presents astrometric measurements of the PHA (52768) 1998 OR2 obtained close to its maximum approach to Earth. The observations were made from Observatorio Planetario Moche, located in Trujillo, Peru (Long. 79 00 39.2 W, Lat. 08 06 47.9 S, Alt. 48 m), on April 23, 24, 25 and 29, 2020. It is important to note that April 29's measurements were obtained approximately 5 hours before the asteroid's closest approach to Earth. A Celestron NexStar 11 GPS telescope and a ZWO ASI 071MC camera (without filter) were used. In addition, Dimension 4 software was employed to synchronize our time with special purpose Internet Time Servers. A total of 240 images were obtained, of which 19 were selected for presenting better ellipticity and FWHM values. The astrometric measurements were made with the Astrometrica software, using between 13 and 31 field stars identified by means of the Gaia DR1 catalog.