According to the latest observations and calculations, there are still certain risks that could cause the asteroid Apophis to alter its orbit and collide with Earth in 2029.
Previously, astronomers had calculated that the likelihood of Apophis colliding with Earth in 2029 is low, but if not, it could strike our planet in 2036.
Apophis will pass by Earth at a distance of 40,000 km on April 13, 2029, and its orbit will be affected by Earth’s gravity – (Image: European Space Agency).
Observations over the years have shown that Apophis will come within approximately 40,000 km of Earth in 2029, safely gliding past us unless a natural collision between Apophis and another object alters its trajectory, according to IFLScience on March 5.
Astronomers are currently calculating the risks associated with this.
With a diameter of 335 meters, Apophis is unlikely to send us back to the age of dinosaurs if a collision occurs, but it could still cause significant damage.
On April 13, 2029, Apophis will be only 37,399 km away from Earth. A slight impact from another flying object during this time could also cause a considerable deviation. NASA’s DART mission aimed at redirecting the Dimorphos asteroid has proven this point.
“Because Apophis will pass close to Earth, there is a risk that a deviation from its current orbit could bring Apophis closer and impact us,” said Benjamin Hyatt, a co-author of the study from the University of Waterloo (Canada).
The research team has calculated the orbits of 1.3 million known asteroids in the Solar System over the coming years to see if any asteroids could come too close to Apophis.
Fortunately, the results show that this is unlikely to happen. Nevertheless, astronomers remain vigilant regarding Apophis.
