As the world prepares for the closest flyby of asteroid Apophis in 2029, a historic opportunity to gather crucial information about this potentially hazardous asteroid presents itself.
In four years, on 13 April 2029, a large asteroid named ‘Apophis’ will fly by Earth just 32,000 kilometres above the surface. This exceptionally close flyby presents an unprecedented opportunity for space agencies around the world to gather crucial information about this potentially hazardous asteroid.
Asteroids are small, rocky objects that orbit the Sun.
They range in size from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter.
Most asteroids reside in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
The largest asteroid is Ceres, which is classified as a dwarf planet.
Asteroids are remnants from the early solar system's formation and provide valuable insights into its history.
Scientists study asteroids to understand the solar system's evolution and potential threats to Earth.
Understanding the Threat of Asteroids
Asteroid ‘Apophis’ was once thought to be on a collision course with our planet, sparking widespread concern and prompting astronomers to re-evaluate its trajectory. However, subsequent observations have lowered the likelihood of impact to zero, and some might assume that we can now breathe a sigh of relief. But this assumption is short-lived, as scientists are now planning for the day it will make its exceptionally close flyby.
Asteroid Asteroid Apophis is a near-Earth asteroid with a diameter of approximately 1.3 kilometers.
Discovered in 2004, it has a highly elliptical orbit, bringing it as close as 19 million kilometers to Earth and as far as 465 million kilometers away from the Sun.
Initial estimates suggested a 2.7% chance of impact in 2029, but subsequent observations reduced this risk to nearly zero.
Apophis is classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA) due to its size and close proximity to Earth.
The Planetary Defense Initiative
Space agencies from the US, Europe, and Japan are all making plans to visit ‘Apophis’ during its closest approach in 2029. These missions aim to gather vital information about asteroid composition, size, shape, and spin rate, which is essential for developing effective strategies to deflect or disrupt potentially hazardous asteroids like ‘Apophis’.
The concept of space exploration dates back to ancient civilizations, but modern space agencies emerged in the mid-20th century.
The Soviet Union established the first space agency, Korolev Design Bureau, in 1946, followed by NASA's predecessor, 'National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA)', in 1915.
In Europe, the European Space Agency (ESA) was formed in 1975 to coordinate national efforts.
Today, there are over 20 space agencies worldwide, each with its unique mission and focus.
Why Now?
The upcoming flyby of ‘Apophis’ presents a unique chance for scientists to test their techniques and technologies in real-time. By studying the asteroid’s behavior during its closest approach, researchers can refine their methods for detecting and mitigating asteroid threats. This knowledge will be crucial in the years to come as more asteroids are identified and their trajectories become increasingly uncertain.
The Importance of International Cooperation
This mission is not just a solo effort; it requires collaboration among space agencies worldwide. The success of these missions depends on the sharing of data, expertise, and resources. By working together, scientists can pool their knowledge and develop a comprehensive understanding of asteroid threats, ultimately ensuring our collective safety in the face of cosmic hazards.
A New Era in Asteroid Research
The upcoming flyby of ‘Apophis’ marks an exciting new chapter in asteroid research. As we prepare to witness this historic event up close, we are also taking significant strides towards developing the tools and strategies needed to safeguard our planet against potential asteroid threats. The coming years will be crucial in shaping our understanding of these ancient space rocks and their impact on our future.
- newscientist.com | The race to visit the asteroid making the closest pass by Earth
