Asteroid Apophis to Pass 32,000 Kilometers From Earth in 2029, Visible to 90% Worldwide
Updated
Updated · cronista.com · Aug 6
Asteroid Apophis to Pass 32,000 Kilometers From Earth in 2029, Visible to 90% Worldwide
3 articles · Updated · cronista.com · Aug 6
Summary
April 13, 2029 will bring a rare naked-eye flyby as asteroid 99942 Apophis makes its closest approach at 21:45 UTC and remains visible for about seven hours.
32,000 kilometers from Earth’s surface, Apophis will pass closer than many geostationary satellites, appearing as a bright point moving across the stars rather than a meteor shower.
About 90% of the world’s population could see the event under clear, dark skies, with visibility spanning Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.
NASA says Apophis poses no impact threat in 2029 or for at least the next 100 years, overturning early estimates after its 2004 discovery that briefly put the 2029 risk near 2.7%.
The 340-meter asteroid also offers scientists a rare chance to study how Earth’s gravity changes an asteroid’s trajectory, rotation and surface during a close pass.