Key Facts About Apophis:
- Size: Apophis is approximately 340 meters (1,100 feet) in diameter, making it a large asteroid capable of causing significant damage if it were to collide with Earth.
- 2029 Flyby: Apophis will have a very close approach to Earth on April 13, 2029. It will pass within about 31,000 kilometers (19,000 miles) of Earth, which is closer than some geostationary satellites.
- Impact Probability: Despite its close proximity, NASA and other space agencies have ruled out the possibility of Apophis impacting Earth in 2029. Further data analysis has shown that the risk of impact in future close approaches, including 2068, is also extremely low.
Updated Risk Assessment:
NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Program has been tracking Apophis closely, and based on current data, the chance of Apophis impacting Earth is now effectively zero for the foreseeable future, including the 2029 and 2068 flybys. The asteroid’s trajectory has been well studied, and no future collision with Earth has been predicted with the data available today.
Summary:
While Apophis was initially considered a potential threat, updated observations have ruled out any realistic chance of it hitting Earth in 2029 or beyond. The close approach in 2029 will be a unique opportunity for scientists to study the asteroid up close, but there is no need to worry about an impact from Apophis based on current predictions.
