Asteroid 1 Ceres Opposes Sun 2023 MAR 21

[CentaurZ]

Asteroid 1 Ceres is currently the brightest asteroid at magnitude +6.9. It will appear within Virgo in ecliptical opposition to the Sun on 2023 MAR 21 at magnitude +6.9. Ceres was the first discovered asteroid. It is the largest asteroid, and is also labeled a dwarf planet. Ceres was discovered in 1801, and has a mean diameter of 845 km.

Photos and descriptions of Ceres would be welcome additions to this thread.

[Captain Scarlet]

Curt welcome back, I feel you’ve been absent a while? Or is it simply there haven’t been any noteworthy events lately?

I observed Ceres last night through my SV140, first time ever seeing that asteroid. I looked for a disc-like shape but without having done the calc I daresay it’s far too small to expect to see a disc.

I hopped up from M88 to locate it.

Cheers, Magnus

Edited March 19, 2023 by Captain Scarlet

[CentaurZ]

21 hours ago, Captain Scarlet said:

Curt welcome back, I feel you’ve been absent a while? Or is it simply there haven’t been any noteworthy events lately?

I observed Ceres last night through my SV140, first time ever seeing that asteroid. I looked for a disc-like shape but without having done the calc I daresay it’s far too small to expect to see a disc.

I hopped up from M88 to locate it.

Cheers, Magnus

Thanks. Indeed, noteworthy astronomical events have been sparse.

If Ceres is as small as you report, then perhaps its dwarf planet status should be rescinded. 😉