An asteroid is a small rocky object that orbits the sun, and many of them are located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. However, some asteroids have a trajectory that takes them much closer to Earth, and on April 13, 2029, one of them will come very close indeed.
What is the name of the asteroid?
The asteroid that will pass close to Earth in 2029 is called Apophis. It was named after the Egyptian god of chaos and destruction, and it is appropriately named given the potential danger it poses.
How close will Apophis come to Earth?
Apophis will come very close to Earth, but it will not actually hit us. It will come within 19,000 miles of Earth's surface, which is closer than our own communication satellites. This is the closest an asteroid of this size has ever come to Earth.
How big is Apophis?
Apophis is a fairly large asteroid, measuring about 1,100 feet in diameter. For comparison, the Eiffel Tower in Paris is about 1,050 feet tall. If Apophis were to hit Earth, it would cause significant damage to the surrounding area.
What would happen if Apophis hit Earth?
The impact of Apophis hitting Earth would be devastating. It would release energy equivalent to tens of thousands of nuclear bombs, and the resulting shockwave would cause destruction for hundreds of miles around the impact site. The asteroid impact could potentially cause a mass extinction event if it hit a populated area.
What is being done to prepare for Apophis?
Scientists have been monitoring Apophis since its discovery in 2004, and they have determined that it will not hit Earth in 2029 or any other time in the near future. However, the close approach of Apophis has raised concerns about the potential danger posed by other asteroids in the future.
What can we do to protect ourselves from asteroids?
Protecting ourselves from asteroids is a difficult task, but scientists are working on ways to deflect or destroy them if they pose a threat to Earth. Some proposed methods include using nuclear weapons to break up the asteroid, or using solar sails to deflect its trajectory.
What are the chances of an asteroid hitting Earth?
The chances of a large asteroid hitting Earth are relatively low, but the consequences would be catastrophic if it did happen. Scientists estimate that an asteroid large enough to cause a mass extinction event hits Earth once every few million years.
Conclusion
The close approach of Apophis in 2029 serves as a reminder of the potential danger posed by asteroids. While the chances of an asteroid hitting Earth are relatively low, it is important to continue monitoring them and developing ways to protect ourselves from them.