Asteroid Apophis to Safely Pass Earth in 2029, NASA Confirms
NASA confirms that asteroid Apophis will pass safely by Earth in 2029, with no risk of impact for at least 100 years.
Asteroid Apophis, approximately 1,100 feet (340 meters) in diameter, is projected to pass within 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometers) of Earth's surface on April 13, 2029. This distance is closer than many geosynchronous satellites, which orbit at about 22,236 miles (36,000 kilometers) above Earth.
Discovered in 2004 by astronomers Roy Tucker, David Tholen, and Fabrizio Bernardi at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, Apophis was initially thought to pose a potential impact risk in 2029, 2036, or 2068. However, subsequent observations have allowed scientists to refine its orbit.
"Based on this data, NASA is now confident that there is no risk of Apophis impacting Earth for at least 100 years," NASA stated.
The upcoming close approach presents a unique opportunity for scientific study. NASA has redirected the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, now renamed OSIRIS-APophis EXplorer (OSIRIS-APEX), to rendezvous with Apophis shortly after its 2029 flyby. This mission aims to gather detailed data on the asteroid's physical properties.
Additionally, the European Space Agency (ESA) is planning the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (RAMSES) to accompany the asteroid during its close approach.
Observers in the Eastern Hemisphere may be able to see Apophis with the naked eye during its 2029 flyby, weather permitting.