On Friday, April 13, 2029, a massive asteroid named Apophis is going to pass by Earth safely. This asteroid is huge, about 375 meters across, and 90% of space rocks are smaller than this asteroid.
It will be the first known asteroid of this size to pass between Earth's geostationary satellites and the Atlantic Ocean, making its closest approach.
This asteroid passing by Earth can be witnessed from these places: the Atlantic, Europe, Africa, and Asia, if the sky stays clear during the passing time. Apophis, the name for this asteroid, is derived from the Egyptian demon who was known as the demon of chaos and destruction.
On June 19, 2004, asteroid 99942 Apophis was discovered by astronomers at Kitt Peak National Observatory, who claimed that the asteroid is of S-type shape, orbits for 324 days, and keeps coming back every few decades closer to Earth.
A research paper published by Cambridge University Press calculated the possibility of asteroids striking the future on Earth could be in the years 2029, 2036, or 2068.
The NASA spacecraft OSIRIS-Apophis Explorer (OSIRIS-APEX) will closely observe this steroid. This spacecraft is identical to that of the 2020 Asteroid Bennu spacecraft. The mission of observing this asteroid will cost NASA $200 million. For 18 months, OSIRIS-APEX will orbit Apophis as it passes Earth in 2029.
In 2029, the scientific study of Apophis via spacecraft will provide valuable insights into how an ancient remnant of the early solar system responds to gravitational forces. These discoveries will be critical for future generations on Earth.
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