Asteroid 99942 Apophis ’s renown should precede it . Since 2004 , it has been among the most dangerous Near - Earth Objects ( NEOs ) out there , and retiring prognostication say that the chances of a hit between this rock-and-roll and our planet are quite high . Further observance have led to good and respectable estimations , and uranologist have a chance to look at it again this weekend .
At 1:15 am Universal Time of March 6 , Apophis will be16.9 million kilometers(10.5 million air mile ) from the Earth . An extremely safe distance if we imagine about hazard , and very closely if we reckon collecting significant information . As NEOs go , Apophis is quite swelled – it is between 340 and 370 meters ( 1,115 and 1,214 feet ) across . But as far as astronomers are refer , it is small and dark , making it very difficult to meditate .
So , each close approach is a opportunity to learn more . Unfortunately , this year we do n’t have the Arecibo observatory at our garbage disposal after its catastrophic crash . The radiocommunication telescope has been invaluable in read NEOs and it would have deliver some new and important information about Apophis .
Apophis ’s closest passage to Earth in the near future is on April 13 , 2029 . It will get close to our planet than geostationary orbit , where telecommunication satellites are place . Back when it was discovered 17 years ago , this close passage became a concerning one , as it was a one - in - twenty chance that it would score our satellite . We now know that it will pass safely 31,200 kilometers ( 19,400 miles ) from the Earth ’s surface . This is now known with a 50 - km ( 31 - mile ) doubt , relieve oneself it a very safe approximation .
The approaching datethat scientist are now focusing onis April 12 , 2068 . Thanks to observations in 2020 and over the last month , researcher have been able to reduce the betting odds of shock from 1 in 150,000 to 1 in 380,000 . Current observations will further help fortify such estimate .
In 2029 , the asteroid will be seeable with the naked eye , being so close to our satellite . But it is too far off and too slow in the snug passage this class . It does n’t mean that ’s inconceivable to see it , but you ’ve get to have a scope and be at the right place at the right time .
Apophis will be doing a few occultations over the next week . This mean that it will pass in front of a star , blocking its light , which can be used to learn more about it – or just enjoy a stellar eclipse . If you ’re odd as to where you ought to be to get this sight , the peeps atUnistellar have get your back . Apophis occultation is visible from North America on the morning of March 7 , and in Europe on the evening of March 11 .
