"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
CBS News • • science
Key Points:
- The asteroid Apophis, roughly the size of three football fields, will pass within about 20,000 miles of Earth on April 13, 2029, closer than many orbiting satellites, offering a rare opportunity for close observation.
- NASA classifies Apophis as a "potentially hazardous asteroid" but assures there is no risk of impact with Earth for at least the next 100 years.
- The flyby will be visible to observers in the Eastern Hemisphere, weather permitting, and is considered an unprecedented chance to study a large near-Earth asteroid with modern technology.
- Earth's gravity during the close encounter may cause surface changes on Apophis, such as landslides, providing insights into its composition and structure.
- Apophis was discovered in 2004 and is believed to be composed of ancient cosmic materials, measuring about 1,115 feet in mean diameter, with a shape possibly resembling a peanut.
