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Asteroid Apophis: NASA Closely Monitoring Potentially Devastating Close Approach in 2029

NASA is keeping a close eye on asteroid Apophis, a massive space rock that is set to pass dangerously close to Earth in the near future. With a size of about 1,100 feet (340 meters) in diameter, the asteroid is as large as the Empire State Building. Scientists are concerned about its potential impact, fearing that if it were to collide with Earth, the explosion could be as catastrophic as 100 atomic bombs detonating simultaneously.

Meteoroids, which are space rocks that range in size from dust grains to small asteroids, pose a threat if they survive their journey through Earth’s atmosphere and reach the surface. If a meteoroid does hit the ground, it’s known as a meteorite. While most meteorites are small, ranging in size from pebbles to fist-sized rocks made mostly of iron and nickel, the size of Apophis makes it a significant threat.

About Asteroid Apophis

Apophis was discovered on June 19, 2004, by astronomers Roy Tucker, David Tholen, and Fabrizio Bernardi at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Tucson, Arizona. Officially named 99942 Apophis, it was quickly identified as a near-Earth object (NEO) with the potential to impact our planet. The asteroid is nicknamed “God of Chaos” after the demon serpent in ancient Egyptian mythology, symbolizing evil and destruction.

Since its discovery, Apophis has been a subject of concern for scientists, who have been tracking its orbit closely. The asteroid’s potential to cause havoc on Earth was particularly alarming when it was first identified, and it has been labeled as one of the most hazardous asteroids on record. The massive rock will make its closest approach to Earth on April 13, 2029, coming within just 19,000 miles (32,000 kilometers) of our planet’s surface.

Will Apophis Collide with Earth?

Despite initial concerns about the asteroid’s trajectory, NASA has provided some relief. The space agency now confirms that Apophis is not likely to collide with Earth. Thanks to enhanced observations and radar data, scientists have refined their calculations, and the risk has been removed. The asteroid’s orbit has been tracked with such precision that its position in 2029 can now be predicted with a high degree of certainty.

While Apophis is not expected to cause any harm, its close approach will still be a significant event. The asteroid will pass within 20,000 miles of Earth, closer than any other asteroid of its size that scientists have been able to track in advance. The event will be visible to people on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere without the need for a telescope, making it a spectacular sight.

The Future of Apophis

Even though Apophis poses no immediate danger, its passage in 2029 will be a remarkable milestone for space science. The ability to accurately predict the trajectory of such a large asteroid is a testament to the advancements in technology and observation methods that have been made since the asteroid’s discovery. For now, NASA continues to monitor Apophis and other near-Earth objects to ensure the safety of our planet.

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