Asteroid Apophis to Make Historic Close Pass by Earth in 2029
Will the 'God of Chaos' Asteroid Apophis impact Earth in 2029? Here's what report says
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
Asteroid 99942 Apophis will pass within approximately 20,000 miles of Earth on April 13, 2029, making it one of the closest flybys ever recorded for an object of its size. While it poses no threat, the event offers a unique opportunity for scientific study and will be visible to the naked eye in the Eastern Hemisphere.
- 01Asteroid Apophis will pass within 20,000 miles of Earth on April 13, 2029.
- 02The flyby will be visible to the naked eye, making it accessible for sky-watchers.
- 03NASA and the European Space Agency plan missions to study Apophis after the flyby.
- 04Apophis is a relic from the early solar system, offering insights into space weather effects.
- 05There is no risk of impact from Apophis for at least the next century.
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Asteroid 99942 Apophis, named after the Egyptian god of chaos, is set to make a remarkably close pass by Earth on April 13, 2029, coming within approximately 20,000 miles of our planet. This distance is nearly 12 times closer than the average distance to the moon and even closer than many satellites in geosynchronous orbit. The asteroid, which measures about 1,115 feet in diameter, will be visible to the naked eye, providing a rare opportunity for sky-watchers in the Eastern Hemisphere. Initially labeled as potentially hazardous when discovered in 2004, further observations have confirmed that Apophis poses no threat to Earth for at least the next 100 years. The flyby is not only a visual spectacle but also a significant scientific opportunity, as researchers believe Apophis is a remnant from the early solar system. NASA and the European Space Agency have planned missions to study the asteroid closely after its pass, aiming to learn more about its composition and the effects of space weather on such objects. With its unique characteristics and the excitement surrounding its approach, the event is expected to be a historic moment for both astronomers and the public alike.
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The close approach of Apophis presents an opportunity for educational outreach and public engagement in astronomy, inspiring interest in space science.
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