A potentially hazardous asteroid named Apophis is set to pass closer to Earth than many satellites on April 13, 2029, but NASA assures there is no risk of impact.
A large asteroid, roughly the size of the Eiffel Tower, is expected to make a close approach to Earth on April 13, 2029. NASA has confirmed that there is no risk of impact from the asteroid, known as Apophis.
During its flyby, Apophis will come within approximately 20,000 miles of Earth’s surface, a distance closer than many satellites currently in orbit. This classification as a “potentially hazardous” asteroid stems from its size and proximity to our planet.
Apophis was first discovered on June 19, 2004, by astronomers Roy Tucker, David Tholen, and Fabrizio Bernardi at the Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Arizona. Initial observations were limited to just two days due to technical difficulties and weather conditions. However, in December 2004, a team of Australian astronomers managed to observe the asteroid, allowing for further study.
When Apophis was first detected, there were concerns it might impact Earth in 2029, 2036, or 2068. Since then, astronomers have closely monitored its trajectory using optical telescopes and ground-based radar. NASA has since gained a clearer understanding of Apophis’s orbit and is now confident that there is no risk of collision with Earth for at least the next century.
In preparation for the asteroid’s historic close approach, observatories worldwide, as well as those in space, will observe Apophis to gain insights into its physical properties. NASA has redirected a spacecraft to rendezvous with Apophis shortly after its close encounter with Earth. The spacecraft, originally named OSIRIS-REx, successfully completed its mission to collect a sample from asteroid Bennu and returned it to Earth in September 2023. It has since been renamed OSIRIS-APophis EXplorer (OSIRIS-APEX) and is en route to study Apophis.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is also planning to send a spacecraft to investigate the asteroid. Observers in the Eastern Hemisphere will have the opportunity to view Apophis during its close approach, weather permitting, without the need for telescopes or binoculars.
NASA emphasizes the significance of this event, noting that as Apophis passes by Earth, it will experience gravitational forces that will pull, twist, stretch, and squeeze the asteroid. This close encounter will alter Apophis’s orbit around the Sun, slightly increasing its orbital period.
According to NASA, the close approach of Apophis presents a unique opportunity for scientists to study the asteroid and gain a better understanding of its characteristics and behavior.
This event marks an important milestone in planetary defense and asteroid research, showcasing the advancements in our ability to monitor and understand potentially hazardous objects in our solar system.
For more information, refer to NASA’s official statements and updates regarding Apophis.