Apophis drifts 170 meters yearly due to sunlight, altering its orbit significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Apophis, an asteroid named after the Egyptian God of Chaos, may collide with Earth in 2068.
- Scientists discovered Apophis’s orbit is altering due to the Yarkovsky effect, keeping the 2068 collision scenario in play.
- The asteroid will pass shockingly close to Earth in 2029, visible to the naked eye.
- During the 2029 approach, Apophis will pass between Earth and communication satellites.
- Space agencies are preparing for such threats, with NASA’s DART mission set to test asteroid deflection in 2024.
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Asteroid Apophis: A Close Call in 2029 and Potential Impact in 2068
Named after the Egyptian God of Chaos, asteroid Apophis has re-entered the spotlight as scientists reveal that its orbit is changing, possibly setting up a collision course with Earth in 2068. This unsettling discovery, shared at a virtual American Astronomical Society meeting, stems from observations using the Subaru Telescope.
Astronomer Dave Tholen from the University of Hawaii confirmed that Apophis is veering off its expected gravitational path by 170 meters annually due to the Yarkovsky effect. This phenomenon occurs when asteroids absorb sunlight and emit it as heat, creating a small but significant force that alters their orbits over time.
Discovered in 2004, Apophis measures about 1,000 feet wide and was initially deemed unlikely to impact Earth in the foreseeable future. While the 2029 approach poses no risk, its proximity will be alarming—close enough to pass between Earth and its satellite network. This event will make the asteroid visible to the naked eye, sparking public fascination and concern.
Preparing for Potential Asteroid Threats
NASA and other space agencies closely monitor Apophis and other potentially hazardous asteroids. The detection of orbit-altering effects like the Yarkovsky effect underscores the need for vigilance. Although the 2029 encounter is safe, the updated data raises concerns about the 2068 trajectory, leaving the possibility of a collision on the table.
To counter potential asteroid threats, NASA is spearheading the DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission. Scheduled for 2024, DART will attempt to knock a small asteroid off its path by slamming a spacecraft into it. This mission serves as a critical rehearsal for deflecting hazardous objects in the future, ensuring that humanity is better prepared for such scenarios.
Apophis’s looming approach has reignited interest in planetary defense strategies. While a 2068 impact remains uncertain, this discovery is a stark reminder of the importance of monitoring and preparing for celestial threats. With cutting-edge technology and international collaboration, scientists aim to safeguard Earth against potentially catastrophic asteroid impacts.
