In 2029, complications with the asteroid Apophis are likely during its passage near Earth
Collisions between Apophis, the “God of Destruction”, and other bodies could increase the chances of it hitting Earth. A study has found that the “God of Chaos” asteroid could be transformed by tremors and landslides during its flyby of Earth in 2029. ESA has awarded OHB Italia SpA a €63 million contract to begin preparatory work on the agency’s proposed Ramses mission to the infamous asteroid Apophis.
The scientific community is studying the Apophis asteroid approaching Earth
Scientists estimate that asteroids the size of Apophis, about 367 yards across, come this close to Earth only once every 7,500 years. Asteroid Apophis will make an exceptionally close approach to our planet on April 13, 2029. Although Apophis will not collide with Earth during this approach or in the foreseeable future, its passage in 2029 will be within 32,000 kilometers of Earth. At this point, it will be closer than some satellites and can be seen with the naked eye in Earth’s eastern hemisphere. Although the encounter with Apophis is more than five years away, the next milestone on its path will be the first of six close transits of the Sun.