Asteroid Apophis to Make Historic Close Approach to Earth in 2029
On April 13, 2029, asteroid Apophis will pass within 32,000 kilometers of Earth, offering a unique opportunity for scientific observation.
Asteroid 99942 Apophis, measuring approximately 375 meters in diameter, is set to pass within 32,000 kilometers of Earth's surface on April 13, 2029. This proximity is closer than many geostationary satellites and marks the closest approach of an asteroid of this size in recorded history. The event will be visible to the naked eye from parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Discovered in 2004, Apophis was initially considered a potential threat due to early calculations suggesting a small chance of impact in 2029, 2036, or 2068. However, subsequent observations have ruled out any risk of collision for at least the next century.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has initiated the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (Ramses) to rendezvous with the asteroid prior to its Earth flyby. Scheduled for launch in 2028, Ramses aims to study Apophis's physical characteristics and observe changes induced by Earth's gravitational forces during the close approach.
NASA's OSIRIS-APEX mission is also set to observe Apophis, arriving approximately one month after the asteroid's flyby. These missions are expected to enhance our understanding of near-Earth objects and inform future planetary defense strategies.