A potentially hazardous asteroid named Apophis is set to pass closer to Earth than many satellites on April 13, 2029, though NASA assures there is no risk of impact.
A large asteroid, roughly the size of the Eiffel Tower, is expected to make a notably close approach to Earth on April 13, 2029. NASA has confirmed that there is no risk of impact from the asteroid, known as Apophis.
On its closest approach, Apophis will fly approximately 20,000 miles above the Earth’s surface, which is closer than many satellites currently in orbit. This classification of “potentially hazardous” highlights the need for continued observation, but scientists are confident in their assessments.
When Apophis was first discovered in 2004, there were concerns that it might collide with Earth in 2029, 2036, or 2068. However, extensive monitoring using optical telescopes and ground-based radar has allowed astronomers to refine their understanding of its orbit. As a result, NASA now believes there is no risk of an impact from Apophis for at least the next century.
The asteroid was 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 issues and poor weather conditions. A subsequent observation in December 2004 by another team in Australia provided further insights into the asteroid’s characteristics.
As the date of the close approach draws nearer, observatories around the globe, as well as those in space, will focus on Apophis to gain a better understanding of its physical properties. In preparation for this significant event, NASA has redirected a spacecraft to rendezvous with Apophis shortly after its 2029 flyby.
The spacecraft, originally known for its successful mission to gather samples from asteroid Bennu, has been renamed OSIRIS-APophis EXplorer (OSIRIS-APEX). It is currently en route to study Apophis, with the European Space Agency (ESA) also planning to send a spacecraft to observe the asteroid.
For those in the Eastern Hemisphere, Apophis is expected to be visible without the need for telescopes or binoculars, weather permitting. NASA has emphasized 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 its orbit around the Sun, resulting in a slightly larger orbit and an extended orbital period.
As scientists continue to monitor Apophis, the upcoming flyby presents a unique opportunity to study an asteroid that has captured the attention of astronomers since its discovery. The data gathered during this event will contribute to our understanding of such celestial bodies and their behavior in relation to Earth.
According to NASA, the flyby of Apophis is a pivotal moment for planetary science and asteroid observation.