[meteorite-list] Millbillillie's Parent Body At Its Brightest In 18 Years

[Mal Bishop]

Dear List,

I haven't seen a post relevant to this topic so I thought I would take the 
opportunity to inform those who may either not already be aware, or need a 
reminder.

Vesta, Millbillillie's parent body, is at opposition, and its brightest in 
18 years, with a magnitude of 5.4 which is well within naked eye viewing --
of course, a pair of binoculars or small telescope would enhance the view 
just that much more.  It is now approximately 100 or so million miles from 
Earth.
It will remain near 5.4 for the next couple of weeks and since the moon is 
presently a factor in viewing Vesta at its optimum, the moonless period 
between
June 8th through 14th will be the next best opportunity for dark sky viewing.

The following links will offer more 
info.:    http://skytonight.com/observing/home/Vesta_at_Its_Brightest.html

                                                          http://media.skytonight.com/images/Vesta07_Finder_color.jpg


Take your piece of Millbillillie in your hand while viewing its distant 
alma mater!  Pretty cool I think!

regards,
Mal