Introduction
The European Space Agency (ESA) has confirmed that asteroid (152637) 1997 NC1 will make its closest approach to Earth on June 27, 2023. This event is notable as it will occur in 400 years and will be visible through commercial telescopes and astronomical binoculars from various regions of the world. The asteroid's diameter is estimated to be between 700 meters and 1.6 kilometers, and it will not pose any risk of impact. The closest approach will occur at 11:14 UTC on June 27, and the best viewing times will vary based on your location. The Virtual Telescope Project is hosting livestreams on June 26 and June 27 to track the asteroid. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to observe the asteroid using various equipment and techniques. ### Visibility and Location
The asteroid will be visible from Europe on the night of June 26 to 27, with the best viewing times in the early morning. In the United States, the best viewing will be before sunrise on the night of June 26 to 27. In Argentina and the Southern Cone, the best viewing will be on the night of June 27 to 28, as the asteroid will move toward the southern sky. The asteroid will remain visible for several days after its closest approach, although conditions will be less favorable in the northern hemisphere. ### Equipment Needed
To observe the asteroid, you will need a telescope with an aperture of at least 100 millimeters (4 inches), or 15 x 70 or 20 x 80 astronomical binoculars, preferably mounted on a tripod and from a location away from light pollution. The ESA estimates that the asteroid will reach a brightness close to magnitude 10, similar to that of Neptune. The Virtual Telescope Project is hosting livestreams on June 26 and June 27 to track the asteroid. ### Observing the Asteroid
The asteroid will appear as a small point of light moving slowly among the stars. Its movement will be approximately 40 arc seconds per minute. The best time to observe the asteroid will depend on your location, and it will be near the constellations Ophiuchus and Serpens Cauda, south of the bright star Vega. Astronomy apps such as Stellarium, Sky Tonight, or SkySafari can help you locate where the asteroid is in the heavens at any given time. ### Conclusion
The Virtual Telescope Project is hosting livestreams on June 26 and June 27 to track the asteroid. This event provides a unique opportunity to observe a giant asteroid up close, and this guide offers detailed instructions on how to observe the asteroid using various equipment and techniques.
