Asteroid Apophis to Make Close Flyby of Earth in 2029, Offering Unique Scientific Opportunity
On April 13, 2029, the asteroid Apophis will make an exceptionally close approach to Earth, passing closer than geosynchronous satellites. This event, visible to the naked eye from certain locations, presents a rare opportunity for scientists to study the asteroid's interaction with Earth's gravity. Apophis, discovered in 2004, initially raised concerns about a potential collision with Earth, but subsequent observations have ruled out any impact risk for at least the next century. The asteroid's close pass will allow researchers to observe changes in its rotation, surface, and internal structure, providing valuable insights into asteroid dynamics.