Asteroid Apophis Set For Close Approach To Earth In 2029

The asteroid Apophis, a 340-meter space rock, is set to make a close approach to Earth on April 13th, 2029. This event presents a unique opportunity for scientists to study the asteroid, which will be visible to the naked eye from parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. The Planetary Defense Team has been tracking the asteroid, which was discovered in 2004, and has determined that it will pass within 32,000 km of Earth, approximately 10 percent of the distance to the Moon. The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are closely monitoring the asteroid’s trajectory. Scientists are particularly interested in how Earth’s gravity will affect Apophis’s path, as it may pass through a “gravitational keyhole” that could potentially put it on a collision course with Earth in the future.

However, the chances of this occurring have largely been ruled out. The 2029 encounter is not just a close call, but a chance to gather valuable data that could ultimately help protect the planet. The next four years are crucial, and scientists will use this time to analyze the asteroid’s internal structure and develop contingency plans.