Amazingly, Asteroid 99942 Apophis will come closer to Earth than many satellites orbiting the planet! Here’s what NASA had to say.
Although asteroids often make close trips to Earth, they at least pass by the planet at a distance of hundreds of thousands of kilometers. Despite their relatively close approach, these space rocks very rarely pose any risk to Earth. However, this does not mean that no asteroids will come close to Earth. In fact, in Earth’s history, there have been many asteroids that have collided with each other. In fact, NASA and other space agencies have been keeping a close eye on a particular asteroid that was previously considered a major threat to Earth.
The asteroid is named 99942 Apophis and named Asteroid 2004 MN4 by NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies. Although this asteroid previously made a very close approach to Earth in 2021, it did so at a relatively safe distance of 1.9 million km. When this asteroid was discovered in 2004, it was identified as one of the most dangerous meteorites. small planet could impact the Earth due to its enormous size – about 1100 feet!
But that impact assessment changed after astronomers tracked Apophis and its orbit was better defined, according to NASA.
Asteroid 99942 Apophis makes a close approach
Based on NASA, Asteroid 99942 Apophis will make an extremely close trip to Earth on April 13, 2029. On that date, this space meteorite will come closest to Earth at 38000 km. This is closer than many geostationary satellites orbiting the planet. It will travel at approximately 26712 km/h, almost twice as fast as a hypersonic ballistic missile!
Potential impact of asteroid 99942 Apophis
The risk of a potential asteroid impact in 2029 has been ruled out by scientists, although impacts in 2036 and 2068 remain a concern. Asteroid’s 2021 voyage to Earth proved useful to scientists as they used powerful radar observations to extensively study the asteroid’s orbit and orbit. Now, it has been stated that small planet 99942 Apophis is not expected to impact the Earth’s surface for at least a century.
According to Davide Farnocchia of NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, “An impact in 2068 is no longer likely and our calculations do not show any risk of an impact in the future.” at least the next 100 years.”
