Around 66 million years ago, our planet witnessed a catastrophic event when a colossal 9-mile-wide asteroid, known as the Chicxulub asteroid, collided with Earth. This impact triggered a massive extinction event, leading to the demise of 75% of Earth’s species, including the mighty dinosaurs. While this event unfolded millions of years ago, it continues to cast a shadow of concern over our beautiful planet.
Recent findings suggest that people still harbor deep-seated fears about the possibility of such celestial collisions with Earth, particularly concerning what might transpire in 2029. Questions about the impending danger, the potential for humanity’s vanishing, and the imminent threat are flooding social media platforms.
What, if an asteroid will hit Earth in 2029?
On the 19th of June in 2004, at the Kitt Peak National Observatory, three eminent astronomers – Roy Tucker, David Tholen, and Fabrizio Bernardi – made a significant discovery. They observed an asteroid known as 99943 Apophis and raised concerns that it might pass dangerously close to Earth or even collide with our planet in 2029. Nevertheless, recent observations from NASA tell a different tale.
The Enigma of Apophis
Apophis is a Near-Earth Object (NEO) that was first discovered in 2004. Its sighting raised a plethora of speculations about its potential impact on Earth. Scientists and astronomers project Apophis as a hazardous and potentially catastrophic asteroid. If it were to collide with Earth, the devastation could rival the destruction caused by thousands of nuclear bombs. This celestial menace measures about 1100 feet (340 meters) in width, underlining the severity of the potential threat.
Why “Apophis”?
Intriguingly, the asteroid’s name is steeped in Egyptian mythology. Apophis was depicted as a demon serpent and the arch-nemesis of the Sun God, Ra. Legend has it that every night, Apophis sought to plunge the world into eternal darkness, only to be thwarted by Ra’s triumphant return at sunrise.
Asteroid Classifications
Apophis falls under the category of S-type or Silicaceous asteroids. These asteroids are one of three primary classifications, with others being C-type (Carbonaceous Asteroids) and M-type (Metallic Asteroids).
What Are the Odds of an Impact in 2029?
As of 2021, Apophis was 10.6 million miles away from Earth. That year marked the launch of a radar observation campaign by NASA, leading to an unsettling revelation. It was determined that Apophis would make an extraordinarily close approach to Earth in 2029. On the 13th of April, 2029, Apophis will pass perilously close to Earth, within a distance of fewer than 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometers). To put this in perspective, this distance is closer than the orbits of geosynchronous satellites. Observers in the Eastern Hemisphere will have the unique opportunity to witness this event without the aid of a telescope, marking a historic celestial encounter. Initially, there was a concerning 2.7% probability of Apophis colliding with Earth. However, subsequent observations by NASA have allayed these fears. Calculations by NASA scientists indicate that Apophis will not collide with Earth in 2029, 2036, or even 2068, providing a century-long respite from this potential threat.
In response to this imminent celestial encounter, NASA is planning an ambitious mission to study Apophis up close. The OSIRIS-Apophis Explorer (OSIRIS APEX) will be launched to rendezvous with Apophis during its closest approach in 2029.
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NASA’s Ongoing Efforts to Safeguard Earth
In addition to addressing the Apophis threat, NASA is actively engaged in various missions and initiatives to detect, track, and potentially deflect any near-Earth objects that pose a risk to our planet. One such mission is the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), designed to test asteroid deflection techniques.
In conclusion, while the Apophis asteroid’s near approach in 2029 initially sparked fears of a potential collision, NASA’s meticulous observations and calculations have since allayed those concerns. This celestial encounter serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by space agencies worldwide to safeguard our planet from the potential threats posed by near-Earth objects. As technology and our understanding of these celestial bodies continue to advance, humanity is better equipped than ever to protect our beautiful Earth from the perils of the cosmos.
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