[neo_followup] 2020 LD (= A10nb9m) more observations requested! Possible future Mercury/Venus impactor

[Sam Deen]

Hi all,

The recently-confirmed asteroid 2020 LD is on an orbit with a surprisingly low MOID to all of the inner planets- less than 1 million km for all, and less than 50,000 km from both Mercury and Venus. Although the impact odds aren't high for Earth (Sentry lists only a single 1-in-140 million virtual impact in 2109) However for Mercury and Venus the same can't be said for sure. In 2024 a Perivenus (Pericythe? Who uses that term anyway?) of only 10,000 km can't even be ruled out, although is still quite unlikely.

Anyway, we need some more observations of this object over the coming week or two to help constrain the orbit better. Sooner or later we're bound to find an asteroid much like this one on a collision course with one of the major planets, and I for one hope that happens sooner rather than later. At least an interestingly close approach would do!

~Sam