On April 13, 2029, asteroid 99942 Apophis, often referred to as the "God of Chaos," will make a close pass by Earth, coming within 20,000 miles of our planet. This event provides a unique scientific opportunity as NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft is set to study Apophis during its flyby.
Discovered in 2004 at the Kitt Peak National Observatory, Apophis initially raised concerns about a possible collision with Earth in 2029. However, continuous tracking and high-resolution radar data have since reassured scientists that the asteroid poses no immediate threat. Apophis, which has a diameter of about 1,100 feet (335 meters), has been closely monitored by the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex and the Green Bank Telescope, which have refined its orbital path and reduced collision risks.
Apophis is classified as an S-type asteroid, composed primarily of silicate materials, nickel, and iron. Its peanut-like shape and rotation dynamics make it an intriguing object of study, particularly regarding its potential for "asteroid quakes" caused by gravitational interactions.
When Apophis flies by on April 13, 2029, it will be closer to Earth than geostationary satellites. This proximity offers a rare opportunity for detailed observation, especially for viewers in the Eastern Hemisphere. "Although Apophis made a recent close approach, it was still about 10.6 million miles away," said JPL scientist Marina Brozovic. "This upcoming flyby will provide us with a valuable chance to gather precise data."
Despite some rumors about a live feed of Apophis, NASA does not have continuous live coverage. However, updates on the asteroid's trajectory are available on NASA’s official website.
Experts assure that Apophis is not on a collision course with Earth in 2029. "Apophis is not expected to collide with Earth in 2029," said Dr. Sarah Thompson, an astrophysicist at NASA. "However, we are monitoring it closely, as space objects can exhibit unpredictable behavior over time." Dr. Thompson noted that while the probability of an impact is extremely low, NASA is utilizing all available resources to track Apophis's movements.
NASA's Davide Farnocchia confirmed that an impact in 2068 is no longer a concern, stating, “The possibility of a 2068 impact has been ruled out.”
If Apophis were to impact Earth, the consequences would be severe. An asteroid of its size could release energy equivalent to over 1,200 megatons of TNT, with the potential to cause massive destruction, including tsunamis and significant atmospheric effects.
To prepare for the close approach, NASA has repurposed its OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, now renamed OSIRIS-APEX, for a detailed study of Apophis. After completing its mission to collect samples from asteroid Bennu in 2023, OSIRIS-APEX will fly by Apophis on April 23, 2029. The spacecraft will spend 18 months mapping the asteroid's surface, analyzing its composition, and observing any changes resulting from the flyby.
Apophis, a remnant from the early solar system formed over 4.6 billion years ago, continues to capture scientific and public interest. Its close approach in 2029 will not only provide a rare observational opportunity but also highlight the dynamic nature of our solar system.
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