In 2029, Earth will physically reshape a 1,100-foot asteroid
In short: On April 13, 2029, the asteroid Apophis will pass so close to our planet that Earth's gravity will literally twist and stretch it. This rare celestial encounter offers scientists a unique opportunity to observe planetary physics in real time.
Apophis is a potentially hazardous asteroid first identified in 2004. During its 2029 flyby, it will pass just about 20,000 miles above Earth's surface—a distance closer than many satellites currently in geosynchronous orbit.
The encounter serves as a natural experiment. Scientists expect Earth's gravity to potentially alter the asteroid's spin, rearrange loose material on its surface, and permanently rewrite its orbit around the Sun. To investigate such shifts, preparations are underway for the ESA-JAXA Ramses and NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX missions.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: What Earth Will Do to Apophis in 2029
- Also: NASA Science — Apophis - NASA Science
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