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Asteroid Apophis to Flyby Earth in 2029, Scientists Prepare

4/17/2026

50 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Asteroid 99942 Apophis will make a historic Earth flyby on April 13, 2029, within about 20,000 miles, closer than geosynchronous satellites.
The close approach will let scientists study Apophis' response to Earth's gravity, which may alter its orbit.
NASA's OSIRIS-APEX mission and the European Space Agency's Ramses mission will observe Apophis before and after the flyby.
The close approach is a one-in-a-few-thousand-years event.

History

Historical Context

The Tunguska event in 1908 highlighted the destructive potential of asteroids, leading to increased global awareness and initiatives like NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office. As Asteroid 99942 Apophis approaches Earth on April 13, 2029, scientists will study its trajectory, which was once assessed with a 2.7% impact probability, to enhance planetary defense strategies against future threats.

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Story summary

Asteroid 99942 Apophis will make a historic Earth flyby on April 13, 2029, within about 20,000 miles, closer than geosynchronous satellites.
The close approach will let scientists study Apophis' response to Earth's gravity, which may alter its orbit.
NASA's OSIRIS-APEX mission and the European Space Agency's Ramses mission will observe Apophis before and after the flyby.
The close approach is a one-in-a-few-thousand-years event.

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