NASA says an asteroid of the size of Eiffel Tower to approach Earth

A colossal asteroid, known as 99942 Apophis, is on course to pass by Earth on April 13, 2029. This celestial body, named after the Egyptian god of chaos, has garnered significant attention due to its impressive size and proximity to our planet during its flyby. With an estimated diameter of 1,100 feet, Apophis overshadows the Eiffel Tower, showcasing the sheer magnitude of space objects.

Discovery of 99942 Apophis
Discovered in 2004, Apophis was initially thought to pose a slight risk of impacting Earth in future years and categorized as hazardous. However, recent radar observations and precise orbit analysis have provided astronomers with new insights, leading to a consensus that there is no risk of an impact for at least the next century. This conclusion comes from the efforts of NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.

The close encounter in 2029 will see Apophis approach Earth at a distance of approximately 20,000 -30,000 miles, a mere fraction of the space between our planet and the Moon. It is also to be noted that the asteroid is moving at a speed of 29.98 km per second.This event will offer a unique opportunity for scientists to study an asteroid of this size so close to Earth. The data collected could provide valuable information on the composition and structure of these space rocks, which could be crucial for future asteroid deflection missions or resource utilization.

The asteroid is supposedly larger than the famous Eiffel tower. Source: Canva

Apophis’ trajectory will be slightly altered by Earth’s gravity during the 2029 flyby, but the precise calculations by astronomers have ruled out any danger of collision. The asteroid’s orbit around the Sun has been determined with such accuracy that the uncertainty has been reduced from hundreds of kilometers to just a few. This level of precision is a result of combining radar data with optical observations, allowing for the removal of Apophis from the Sentry Impact Risk Table.

The 2029 flyby of Apophis will be a historic moment for both professional and amateur astronomers. The asteroid will be visible to the naked eye in certain parts of the globe, providing a rare spectacle for skywatchers. The event is expected to foster a greater interest in astronomy and the study of near-Earth objects (NEOs).

While the 2029 flyby is confirmed to be safe, it is still a very close call compared to the other flybys by NEOs of a similar size and mass. NEOs like Apophis are constantly monitored by agencies such as NASA to ensure that any potential threat can be detected early and mitigated if necessary. The ongoing study of asteroids is not only fascinating but also essential for the protection of our planet.

Please note that the information provided here is based on the latest available data and analysis from NASA and other scientific sources. For the most current information and updates on asteroid Apophis and other NEOs, please refer to official NASA communications and publications.