A new star in the field of view of T CRB

Affiliation
Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC)
Tue, 06/25/2024 - 05:19

While observing T CRB tonight, what seem a new star appeared. Follow the red arrow on the attached picture.

Damien

Affiliation
Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC)
Too nice to be true

Well, the object is moving, it must be an asteroid. Sorry for the false excitement.

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
(2) Pallas

What you are most likely seeing is 2 Pallas - the 3rd largest asteroid in our solar system. The asteroid is currently passing by T CrB (from our POV).  It's a busy season for T CrB!

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
T CrB and 2 Pallas

     My note from a couple weeks ago, sent to the general AAVSO list, but evidently not everyone saw it:

https://www.aavso.org/t-crb-and-2-pallas

"John Greaves in England has pointed out that around June 24 the asteroid 2 Pallas, roughly mag 9, will pass within about 15' of T CrB.  It will approach from the northeast and pass roughly south and slightly east of the star as it moves to the southwest.  Since there'll be an extra 'star' in the field it could be mistaken for the variable itself.  On the other hand, if you are involved in any sort of public outreach, there's the opportunity to show a moving solar-system target in the same field as the variable near the nights in question.  The orbit of Pallas has rather high inclination, which is why it can appear way off the ecliptic, as at present."

\Brian