Ominous asteroid Apophis to make 2029 Earth flyby – on Friday the 13th
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The asteroid Apophis is set to make a close approach to Earth on Friday the 13th, 2029, providing a unique opportunity to study a potentially hazardous asteroid. Initially thought to have a non-zero chance of impacting Earth, its trajectory has been confirmed to be safe.
The Apophis asteroid is less than three years away from making a close approach to Earth on April 13, 2029. Discovered in 2004, Apophis is roughly the size of five NFL football fields and was initially thought to have a chance of hitting Earth. However, its risk of impact has been ruled out. Apophis is now classified as a near-Earth asteroid and will come closer than many telecommunications satellites in geosynchronous orbit. A harmless encounter could lead to a breakthrough in understanding near-Earth asteroids. NASA compares Apophis' size to the Eiffel Tower, and radar observations suggest it is an elongated peanut shape. The asteroid is named after the ancient Egyptian god of evil and destruction in Greek mythology.
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