Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
The asteroid Apophis, named after the Egyptian god of chaos, was discovered in 2004. Early calculations raised concerns due to its potential collision with Earth, making it a focus for scientists worldwide.
Subsequent observations have ruled out any impact threat from Apophis for at least the next century. Despite initial fears, scientists now confirm that the asteroid will not collide with Earth during its 2029 flyby.
On April 13, 2029, Apophis will pass within 20,000 miles (32,000 km) of Earth’s surface, closer than many geostationary satellites. This will make Apophis visible to the naked eye across the Eastern Hemisphere, including regions in Europe, Africa, and western Asia.
Apophis, measuring about 1,100 feet in diameter, will be the largest object to approach Earth this closely in recorded history. This event offers a unique opportunity for scientists to study the asteroid’s composition, structure, and trajectory in detail.
NASA and other space agencies are preparing for Apophis’s flyby. The OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft, originally known as OSIRIS-REx, will rendezvous with Apophis, while the NEAlight project plans to deploy small satellites to gather valuable data on the asteroid.
Studying Apophis is crucial for understanding near-Earth objects (NEOs) that could pose future threats. Data collected during the flyby will help refine asteroid behaviour models and improve predictions of potential impacts.
The close approach of Apophis provides an opportunity to test and refine asteroid deflection technologies, such as kinetic impactors, which could be used in future missions to alter the course of potentially dangerous asteroids.
The dramatic name and close approach of Apophis have sparked public interest and scientific curiosity. Preparations are underway, with observatories and spacecraft being readied to capture detailed data that will contribute to planetary science and enhance Earth’s defence against future asteroid threats.