What is Apophis?
Asteroid 99942 Apophis, discovered in 2004, is a near-Earth object (NEO) known for its potential impact risk.
Past Close Approach and Future Predictions:
In 2013, Apophis passed within 14.4 million kilometers of Earth, a relatively close encounter that allowed scientists to refine its trajectory. Subsequent observations indicate a slightly different path, reducing the previously calculated risk of impact in 2029.
Current Status and Future Flyby:
Current predictions suggest Apophis will make another flyby on April 13, 2029, at a distance of approximately 31,000 kilometers from Earth’s surface. This flyby will not pose any threat to Earth.
Size and Composition:
Apophis is a relatively small asteroid, measuring approximately 320 meters in diameter. Its composition is unknown but is likely similar to other NEOs, consisting primarily of rock and metal.
Scientific Significance:
The upcoming flyby of Apophis offers scientists a valuable opportunity to study a potentially hazardous object up close. Radar and other instruments will be used to gather data on its size, shape, composition, and gravitational field. This information will help refine NEO detection and mitigation strategies.
Planetary Defense:
The Apophis flyby is a reminder of the importance of planetary defense and the efforts being made to identify and track potential impact threats. International collaborations, such as the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN), play a crucial role in monitoring NEOs and developing strategies to mitigate potential impacts.
Summary of s
| Flyby Date | Closest Approach Distance | Impact Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Discovered | High |
| 2013 | 14.4 million kilometers | Reduced |
| 2029 | 31,000 kilometers | None |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Apophis going to hit Earth?
A: No, current predictions indicate no impact risk for Apophis in 2029 or beyond.
Q: How big is Apophis?
A: Apophis is approximately 320 meters in diameter.
Q: Why is the Apophis flyby important?
A: The flyby provides a valuable opportunity for scientists to study a potentially hazardous object up close and refine NEO detection and mitigation strategies.
Q: What is planetary defense?
A: Planetary defense involves identifying and tracking potential impact threats, such as NEOs, and developing strategies to mitigate possible impacts.
Q: What organizations are involved in planetary defense?
A: International organizations like the IAWN collaborate on NEO monitoring and mitigation efforts.
References
‘99942 Apophis Impact Probability’
‘99942 Apophis’ is an asteroid discovered in 2004 that initially raised concerns about a potential Earth impact in 2029. Subsequent observations and refined trajectory calculations have significantly reduced the probability of impact.
As of 2021, the odds of Apophis impacting Earth in 2029 are estimated to be 1 in 150,000, or approximately 0.00067%. The vast majority of simulations conducted by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory indicate the asteroid will safely pass by Earth, with a clearance of approximately 31,000 kilometers.
While the impact probability remains extremely low, astronomers continue to monitor Apophis closely. In April 2029, the asteroid will pass within 38,400 kilometers of Earth, providing scientists with valuable data for further refining its orbit and assessing any potential future impact risks. The high level of confidence in the asteroid’s future trajectory suggests that Earth is not currently at risk of an Apophis impact.
99942 Apophis Size and Shape
99942 Apophis is an Apollo-class near-Earth asteroid that has the shape of a peanut. Its dimensions are 320 x 160 x 90 meters, making it roughly the size of the Empire State Building. Apophis has two distinct lobes connected by a narrow neck, giving it an atypical shape compared to other near-Earth asteroids. The asteroid’s surface is covered in craters and boulders, indicating a heavily impacted past. Apophis is characterized by its rapid rotation, completing one full rotation in about 30 hours.
Earth’s Trajectory Relative to 99942 Apophis
99942 Apophis is an asteroid that passed close to Earth in 2013 and is predicted to make several close approaches in the coming decades. Earth’s trajectory relative to Apophis is influenced by several factors, including the asteroid’s trajectory, the gravitational pull of the Sun and other planets, and Earth’s own orbital velocity.
During its 2029 approach, Apophis will pass within 30,000 km of Earth, making it one of the closest known asteroid encounters in modern history. However, this pass will not pose an immediate threat to Earth as Apophis is not expected to impact the planet.
Future close approaches of Apophis are still being studied, and scientists are working to refine predictions of its trajectory. It is possible that the asteroid’s path could change due to gravitational perturbations from nearby planets.
99942 Apophis Orbital Period
99942 Apophis is a near-Earth asteroid with a highly elliptical Earth-crossing orbit. Its orbital period, the time it takes to complete one full orbit around the Sun, is approximately 323.6 days. Apophis has a relatively short orbital period compared to other near-Earth objects, which typically have orbital periods of several years or more.
99942 Apophis’s Composition
99942 Apophis is a potentially hazardous asteroid with a largely unknown composition. However, available data and modeling suggest the following:
- Silicaceous: It is primarily composed of silicate minerals, which are common in asteroids.
- Chondritic: Apophis’s composition likely resembles that of ordinary chondrite meteorites, which contain a mix of silicates, iron-nickel minerals, and volatile materials.
- Organic Compounds: Spectroscopy has detected the presence of organic compounds, including water, carbon dioxide, and ammonia, indicating a potential source of volatiles.
- Metallic Core: Its estimated density suggests the presence of a metallic core, although its size and composition remain uncertain.
- Volatile Layer: The asteroid’s surface may have a thin, icy layer, as evidenced by the detection of water ice in its craters.
Asteroid 99942 Apophis Close Approach
Asteroid 99942 Apophis, also known as "God of Chaos," is set to make a close approach to Earth on April 13, 2029. The asteroid is estimated to be 370 meters (1,200 feet) wide and has been classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA) due to its size and close approach distance.
During its 2029 approach, Apophis will pass approximately 30,000 kilometers (18,600 miles) from Earth, which is closer than the distance to geostationary satellites. While the asteroid is not expected to impact Earth, its proximity will allow scientists to study its physical properties and potential hazards.
After its 2029 approach, Apophis will have another close encounter with Earth in 2068, when it is predicted to pass even closer at a distance of approximately 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles). Scientists are using observations from the 2029 approach to refine their predictions and assess any potential risks associated with the 2068 encounter.
99942 Apophis Near-Earth Object
99942 Apophis is an asteroid that was discovered in 2004. It is a near-Earth object (NEO), meaning that it orbits the Sun and has the potential to impact Earth. Apophis is about 320 meters (1,050 feet) in diameter and makes a close approach to Earth every seven years.
In 2004, it was thought that Apophis had a 2.7% chance of impacting Earth in 2029. However, subsequent observations have ruled out this possibility. Apophis will make a close approach to Earth in 2029, but it is not expected to impact the planet.
Apophis is a potentially hazardous asteroid, but it is not considered to be an immediate threat to Earth. Scientists are monitoring Apophis closely and will continue to track its orbit to ensure that there are no future impact risks.
Apophis’ Gravity
Apophis, a near-Earth asteroid, has a gravitational pull that varies depending on its distance from Earth. When closest, its pull is about 0.0001% that of Earth’s gravity, not enough to cause significant effects. During its closest approach in 2029, Apophis is expected to generate weak tidal forces, primarily affecting sensitive instruments like gravimeters. These forces may be detectable near the asteroid’s closest approach, providing valuable data for studying its interior structure.
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