An asteroid named Apophis, roughly the size of three football fields, is set to pass near Earth on April 13, 2029, providing scientists with a unique opportunity to study it up close. This colossal space rock will come within about 20,000 miles of Earth, closer than many satellites, but NASA assures there is no risk of collision for at least 100 years. The event is rare, occurring once every few thousand years, and will allow people in the Eastern Hemisphere to observe it with the naked eye. Scientists are particularly interested in how Earth’s gravity might affect Apophis, potentially causing small surface changes that could reveal more about its composition. Discovered in 2004, Apophis is believed to be made of ancient cosmic materials, and its close approach will be the first of its kind to be observed with modern technology.
QUESTION: How might the study of Apophis during its close approach in 2029 contribute to our understanding of the solar system and the potential threats posed by near-Earth asteroids?
“God of chaos” asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
