ASO Measurements Reveal Light Variation in Toutatis

UPDATE on 4179 Toutatis Studies at ASO
Be sure to visit the link:
http://www.arksky.org/toutatis.htm
for all the latest on the spectacular approach of asteroid 4179 Toutatis and studies currently underway at Arkansas Sky Observatory.

Recent photometric analysis from ASO-H41 (Petit Jean) reveal the slightly longer than 5-day light variation in this remarkable asteroid which is scheduled for close approach to the earth on September 28-29. At the above link, Brian Sherrod has provided a spline curve for 44 observations made at Petit Jean since July 13.

In addition all the latest astrometric data (over 200 observations July-August 2004) are available at:
http://www.arksky.org/astform.php

At present, Toutatis is magnitude 12.3 and rising fast; it is beginning to show a slight proper motion against the distant stars, a motion that will increase remarkably within the next three weeks, moving rapidly into southern hemisphere skies where it will attain a magnitude approaching +8.

Be sure to bookmark the above links for the latest in observations and analyses of the "Earth Graze" of 4179 Toutatis.