In 2029, Apophis, the most dangerous asteroid known to science, will approach Earth at a record distance. This skyscraper-sized object will fly past us at a distance of approximately 31 thousand kilometers and will be visible even to the naked eye. It turns out that the asteroid will be very close to us, much closer than the Moon. According to calculations by the NASA aerospace agency, there is no need to fear a collision with Earth, because its trajectory does not coincide with the location of our planet. The asteroid will also fly to us in 2036, and this time the probability of a collision will also be minimal. But what if the astronomers' calculations are wrong, and we are on the verge of the death of humanity? What will happen if Apophis falls to Earth?
Contents
- 1 Where did the asteroid Apophis come from?
- 2 The size of the asteroid Apophis
- 3 The approach of the asteroid Apophis
- 4 What will happen if an asteroid falls to Earth
- 5 Where will the asteroid Apophis fall?
- 6 Protecting the Earth from asteroids
Where did the asteroid Apophis come from?
Scientists discovered the asteroid (99942) Apophis in 2004. Astronomers often discover new space objects, but this one turned out to be special – its orbit intersected with the orbit of the Earth, which is why scientists thought that the object might collide with the Earth. And this will clearly lead to serious destruction with millions of victims, and maybe cause the death of all humanity.
It is believed that the asteroid Apophis formed during the formation of the solar system approximately 4.6 billion years ago.
Dimensions of the Apophis asteroid
The Apophis asteroid has an elongated shape and resembles a huge peanut or chicken egg. The size of the Apophis asteroid is difficult to determine because its surface reflects only 23% of sunlight. However, the diameter of Apophis is estimated at 370 meters, which means it can be compared to a skyscraper.
The characteristics of Apophis are mainly known thanks to the work of the Herschel space observatory. Before the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope in December 2021, it was the largest infrared telescope with a huge mirror.
To find out more precise information about the trajectory and size of the asteroid Apophis, it is necessary to send a research apparatus to it. Scientists from many countries thought about organizing a mission to study the asteroid threatening the Earth. Ultimately, it was decided that this would be done by the automatic interplanetary station OSIRIS-REx, which had previously studied the asteroid Bennu.
Read also: How often do asteroids fall to Earth – should we be afraid of them?
The approach of the asteroid Apophis
In 2029, the asteroid Apophis will approach the Earth at a distance of about 30 thousand kilometers. It will be ten times closer than the Moon and even geostationary satellites, which remain motionless relative to the Earth's surface. Because of this, it will be visible in the sky even through binoculars, and residents of some countries will even see it with the naked eye. Of course, this will require clear weather without clouds.
A huge asteroid will be at a record close, very dangerous distance from us. In 2004, the probability of Apophis colliding with Earth was estimated at 1 in 37, or 2.7%. When it comes to an object that can wipe humanity off the face of the Earth, this is a very frightening figure.
But according to new data, Apophis' orbit will definitely not intersect with the location of the Earth. In addition to 2029, it will approach us in 2036 and 2068. In the next 100 years, it will definitely not collide with us – at least that's what scientists say.
Even more information: Everything you need to know about the asteroid Apophis – an object that will fly to us in 2029
What will happen if an asteroid falls to Earth
What if scientists' calculations are wrong and the asteroid collides with Earth? What if our planet unexpectedly pulls it towards itself?
Given the size of Apophis, its impact with Earth would cause an explosion equivalent to 506 megatons of TNT. The destruction would be more severe than the Tunguska meteorite and the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa. What can I say – the fall of Apophis would cause an explosion more powerful than an atomic bomb.
Interesting fact:in the computer game Rage, the asteroid Apophis does fall to Earth – the catastrophe occurs on April 13, 2029. During the first five days, 5 billion people die from the consequences, that is, most of the Earth's population. Rich people survive by hiding in special arks.
If the asteroid hits land, a crater with a diameter of 5.97 kilometers will form at the impact site. If it falls into the ocean, a devastating tsunami will occur, which will flood populated areas within a radius of 300 kilometers. There is also a high probability that after the impact, a lot of ash will rise into the air, which will prevent sunlight from warming the earth – the climate may become cold, but not for long.
ATTENTION: Right now you can find out what will happen if an asteroid falls on your city!
Where will the asteroid Apophis fall
It is impossible to predict where the asteroid Apophis will fall. Moreover, scientists deny this possibility and say that there is nothing to be afraid of.
However, you can find a map on the Internet with the probable places where the asteroid will fall. According to it, it may fall on Russian territory, but will not hit Moscow and other large cities.
According to astronomer Nikolai Zheleznov, if Apophis collides with Earth, the consequences will be dire, but humanity will not die out. Of course, millions of people will die as a result of the catastrophe, but only objects one and a half kilometers in diameter can cause global chaos.
Will the asteroid Apophis fall on Earth? Now there is an exact answer
Protection of the Earth from asteroids
If scientists suddenly learn that the asteroid Apophis has changed its trajectory, they will have to take measures to protect the Earth. The aerospace agency NASA has long been developing technology to change the trajectory of asteroids. Chinese scientists have a similar project.
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Technologies to protect the Earth from asteroids are being developed and are even being tested. But the need for them has not yet arisen. We can only hope that in 2029 the asteroid Apophis will bypass us, because the fact that it will come so close to Earth causes genuine horror.