Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
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A looming specter in the sky, Apophis—a massive asteroid capable of continental devastation—is set to pass alarmingly close to Earth on April 13, 2029, igniting fears of a potential catastrophe.
S Somanath of Isro underscores the chilling reality: an asteroid of Apophis’ size could unleash devastation, reminding us that planetary defense is not a choice but a necessity.
At just 32,000 km away—closer than geostationary satellites—Apophis' flyby will be the closest ever recorded for an asteroid of its magnitude, pushing Earth’s defenses to the limit.
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With a size exceeding INS Vikramaditya and the Narendra Modi Stadium, Apophis has the force to cause ‘continental-scale devastation,’ marking it as one of the most hazardous asteroids tracked.
The Lonar Crater Lake in Maharashtra, a relic of an ancient asteroid strike, serves as a haunting reminder of Earth’s vulnerability to celestial threats.
Nations are rallying; NASA’s OSIRIS-REx and ESA’s RAMSES missions are joined by Isro’s NETRA to study and counter the potential danger posed by Apophis.
From kinetic impactors like NASA’s DART to ion beams and even nuclear solutions, advanced techniques are under review to avert a worst-case scenario.
Isro’s NETRA continues relentless tracking, aligning its efforts with global agencies to ensure that Apophis’ every move is meticulously monitored and countered if necessary.
Planetary defense emerges as humanity’s collective mission, with global leaders pledging cooperation to prevent a disaster of astronomical proportions.
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