LPL-416(E) Timeline

discovered yesterday, additional observations have confirmed that LPL-416(E) will be making a low pass through our atmosphere, reaching only 24.6km above the surface. It will enter our SOI on 12/4 - a capture is possible, orbit is not hyperbolic

LPL-416(E) entered our SOI yesterday & astronomers have plotted out its 1st atmospheric pass south of KSC. Covering mostly water, scientists have setup an observation post where it will exit the atmosphere to see if any sign can be seen it survived the passage

right this minute LPL-416(E) should be hitting 24km ASL as it screams through our atmosphere at 3.3km/s. Ockr Observatory will be the first to look for it after 2nd sunset, if not found we'll hear of any news from observation crew when they return to Umbarg tomorrow

LPL-416(E) has been spotted in orbit! Ockr got a clear observation shortly after sunset of its movement as sun angle is very favorable for lighting the asteroid. They will continue to observe over this night cycle, followed by Kravass. ATN to issue update later today

ATN has updated information on LPL-416(E), now past apokee and falling for another pass through our atmosphere later today @ 20:13 UTC. They predict it should get at least one more pass after this. Time is too short to deploy a science team to the area

LPL-416(E) should now be re-entering our atmosphere again, once again descending through 24km with speeds up to 3.2km/s, slightly slower thanks to its lowered orbit. Kravass will be the only observatory in position to pick it up afterwards

Kravass was able to spot LPL-416(E) easily with its IR scope as it cleared the horizon, radiating heat from re-entry. They will continue to observe it over the night cycle to determine details of its next passage

ATN update on LPL-416(E) has it passing just south of KSC starting @ 23:23 UTC. Kravass reports they observed debris in the wake of the asteroid, so it may already be starting to break up, or just shedding a weaker outer layer? We'll find out later today

Val is atop the VAB looking south hoping to catch some glimpse of LPL-416(E)'s re-entry trail just above the horizon - may not be bright enough before it falls out of sight thanks to the sun being up

LPL-416(E) should have by now exited the atmosphere, Val says she saw nothing. No reports from Umbarg either. Its new projected (green) orbit based on previous observations is now so small it will actually make another pass before Ockr can even try to look for it later today

Ockr Observatory is now on the hunt, Kravass will join in too by the end of the hour. LPL-416(E) would have made its 4th pass and should be over the horizon for both observatories

ATN gave up the search for LPL-416(E) earlier today, it broke up on either the 3rd or 4th pass through our atmosphere. Too bad no one really lives in the southern hemisphere - likely to be some pretty awesome meteor showers over the next day or so