In 2029, a massive asteroid, 99942 Apophis, will come near Earth, and a collision with it would trigger the end of the world.
The estimated diameter of the near-Earth object (NEO) 99942 Apophis is about 1,100 ft.
Upon its discovery in 2004, Apophis was considered one of the most dangerous asteroids that could strike Earth. However, after astronomers followed it and better established its orbit, that impact estimate was altered.
Based on exact orbit calculations and a March 2021 radar surveillance campaign, astronomers have determined that Apophis will not come near Earth for at least another hundred years. It will be at least a couple thousand years before another asteroid gets this close.
Apophis is predicted to speed by on April 13, 2029.
Researchers from the European Space Agency (ESA) have declared their intention to send a spacecraft to monitor it.
After the achievement of NASA’s DART mission in 2022, the ESA is stepping up its efforts to safeguard Earth’s defenses against future space debris.
Two months before the asteroid’s passage by Earth, a spacecraft will be sent within the framework of the Rapid Apophis Mission for Security and Safety (Ramses). During the near flyby, the expedition will try to figure out how Earth’s gravity affects the massive space rock. As it travels through space, the probe will measure Apophis’ dimensions, shape, mass, and rotation.
With an April 2028 launch date, Ramses will arrive on Apophis in early 2029. In 2021, researchers finally ruled out an imminent collision with Apophis over the next hundred years after NASA ruled out a hit in 2029 and 2036.
Approximately two billion individuals in various regions of Asia, Africa, and Europe will be able to see Apophis.
According to Open University professor Monica Grady, an asteroid similar to Apophis may have wiped out the dinosaurs. A massive asteroid impact might also wipe humans off the face of the Earth.
