There is a slight likelihood that the large asteroid Apophis, referred to as the “God of Chaos,” may hit Earth when it makes its extraordinarily shut cross in 2029. Named after the Egyptian god of darkness, Apophis is roughly 1,100 toes (340 meters) broad—related in dimension to the Eiffel Tower. Whereas earlier research have dominated out a direct affect throughout its flyby, current analysis suggests {that a} collision, though extremely unlikely, cannot be fully dismissed simply but.
A Very Shut Flyby
Apophis is predicted to cross Earth on April 13, 2029, at a distance of about 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometres). That is nearer than a few of our satellites orbiting the planet. Early observations triggered fears of a collision, however astronomers later confirmed it will miss us by a slim margin. Regardless of this, Apophis’s proximity nonetheless raises considerations, significantly round the potential for its trajectory being altered by an out of doors power, like one other asteroid.
Can Apophis Be Knocked Off Course?
The concept that Apophis could possibly be bumped onto a collision course with Earth stems from research exhibiting that asteroids can change route if impacted by smaller objects. NASA’s DART mission, which efficiently modified the course of the asteroid Dimorphos in 2022, demonstrated that this state of affairs is believable. If Apophis have been struck by a smaller asteroid within the subsequent few years, its path would possibly shift nearer to Earth.
New Examine Suggests a Small Threat
A current examine led by Paul Wiegert, an astronomer at Western College, analyzed the chance of such an occasion. In keeping with Wiegert’s findings, the prospect of an unknown asteroid hitting Apophis and pushing it towards Earth is lower than one-in-a-billion. Nonetheless, scientists will not be capable of fully rule out the likelihood till they’ll observe Apophis once more in 2027, as soon as it comes again into view after shifting too near the solar.
Future Shut Encounters with Apophis
Even when Apophis does alter course, it isn’t assured to carry it nearer to Earth. The area rock has handed close to our planet earlier than and can proceed to take action sooner or later, with vital flybys anticipated in 2051, 2066, and 2080. Nonetheless, present fashions recommend no vital risk to Earth for no less than the subsequent 100 years.
