Title: Prepare to Witness Apophis 2029 Close Encounter!
Intro The universe
is an endless source of awe and wonder. The more we delve into its mysteries,
the more discoveries we make. While we often focus on phenomena like black holes and far-off
galaxies, it is important to remember that astonishing revelations can be found much
closer to home. Take, for example, the case of Apophis, a colossal asteroid that
was stumbled upon by astronomers at the Kitt Peak Observatory in June 2004. Remarkably,
it that had been drifting through space unnoticed for an indeterminate amount of time.
As data began to accumulate, scientists were able to make a rough estimation of
its future trajectory. To their alarm, they discovered that Apophis had a 2.7%
probability of colliding with our planet in April 2029, a date that
coincidentally fell on the notoriously unlucky Friday the 13th. Consequently,
Apophis was promptly categorized as one of the most hazardous asteroids known to humanity.
Although subsequent research ruled out the possibility of a cataclysmic impact in 2029,
this celestial object continues to present an incredibly valuable opportunity for humanity.
By studying Apophis, we can gain invaluable insights into the cosmos and improve our
ability to protect our planet from potential future threats posed by other asteroids.
--- Apophis Description
Apophis, an immensely large asteroid, is estimated to be about 350 meters in diameter,
equivalent to the length of three football fields or slightly taller than the Eiffel
Tower. Previous radar observations have shown that Apophis has a distinct shape resembling a
peanut or two connected lobes. This shape is quite common among larger near-Earth
asteroids, with approximately one in every six asteroids displaying this bilobed appearance.
The reason for this bilobed shape is believed to be a result of the collision between two separate
parent asteroids. When these asteroids collide with a very low impact velocity,
their initial spherical shapes are preserved, creating the bilobed form. However, bilobed
shapes can also be formed through highly destructive impacts. Numerous fragments are
ejected in a large curtain during the collision, and these remnants may collide with each other,
causing the formation of bilobed shapes. Studying Apophis and its properties
is of great importance as it provides valuable insights into the behavior and
characteristics of near-Earth asteroids. Interestingly, Apophis not only follows
its orbit but also undergoes tumbling and rotation. Astronomers are currently working
to better understand the asteroid's rotation rate and its axis of rotation, also known
as its spin state. This crucial information will enable them to determine the asteroid's
orientation around Earth as it approaches our planet's gravitational field in 2029. It is
noteworthy that this massive asteroid will come remarkably close to Earth in the near future.
--- The Risk
Apophis has garnered attention for quite some time as astronomers have strived to determine
its exact orbit and assess the likelihood of a future collision. Initially spotted in 2004,
astronomers predicted possible impacts in 2029 and 2036, but subsequent observations of this
near-Earth object (NEO) thankfully dismissed these concerns. However, a slim chance of
impact in 2068 remained until recently. On March 6, 2021, the asteroid had a
relatively distant encounter with Earth, passing approximately 17 million km away
(44 times the distance to the Moon). Despite still being quite far, astronomers managed to
accurately measure the distance and refine the asteroid's orbit before its next, much closer
approach in 2029, projected to occur on April 13. The most critical close encounter will happen on
Friday, April 13, 2029, when Apophis will pass within 35,000 km of Earth. This proximity is
incredibly near, ten times closer than the Moon! The asteroid will even be visible to the naked
eye. Many people expressed concern: could the astronomers have made even a minor miscalculation,
potentially leading to a collision with Earth? If such were the case, we would be in trouble.
However, there is no need to worry as astronomers' calculations can be trusted. The year 2029 will be
safe for human inhabitants of Earth. What was previously uncertain is whether the 2029 flyby
would shift Apophis' orbit in a way that would result in a future collision during its journey
around the Sun. If Apophis were to pass through a "gravitational keyhole," it could potentially
lead to an impact in 2068, although the probability remains extremely low. Fortunately,
the most recent radar observations have significantly reduced the uncertainty in
Apophis' trajectory. Even considering the effects of the 2029 flyby on its orbit,
the chances of an impact in 2068 or any time thereafter have been unequivocally ruled out.
--- Apophis Picture
Oh, by the way, have you ever wondered what an asteroid looks like when captured
by a telescope? Well, let me show you a stunning image! Check out this picture of
the dangerous asteroid Apophis taken by the Virtual Telescope Project in Rome, Italy.
The photo was captured on March 2, 2021. In the image, the asteroid appears as a small dot, while
the surrounding stars appear as streaks. This is because the telescope was following the asteroid's
movement through space. It's quite fascinating to see how fast it's traveling, approximately 2.894
miles per second (4.658 kilometers per second) relative to Earth. At the time the picture was
taken, Apophis was an impressive 17 million kilometers away from our planet. Just imagine
being able to see something as massive as the Eiffel Tower from such an enormous distance!
However, pictures of asteroids were not always as good as this one. For instance,
this is how Apophis looked like when it first was discovered, back in 2004.
And this is how astronomers captured it in 2013. And now, let's move on to the exciting part! The
arrival of Apophis is an extraordinary event that you definitely don't want to miss out on. So,
let me guide you on where you can witness this remarkable phenomenon across the globe.
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--- Visibility Zone
Initially, Apophis will become visible to the naked eye in the night sky of the
Southern Hemisphere, soaring over Earth from the east coast to the west coast of
Australia. When Apophis is above Australia, it will be around mid-morning on the East Coast
of the United States. Continuing its journey, the asteroid will then traverse the Indian Ocean and,
by the afternoon in the eastern U.S., it will have crossed the equator, still moving westward, over
Africa. As it reaches its closest point, a little before 6 p.m. EDT, Apophis will be positioned over
the Atlantic Ocean. It will be traveling at such high speed that it will cross the entire Atlantic
in just one hour. By 7 p.m. EDT, the asteroid will have completed its passage over the United States.
You can check out this informative video for a visual depiction of
Apophis' trajectory on April 13, 2029: During its traverse over the Atlantic Ocean,
the path of the asteroid briefly changes from red to grey, representing the moment of closest
approach. After the closest approach, Apophis will enter the daytime sky and no longer be visible.
--- Approaching Apophis
The close approach of Apophis in 2029 presents a remarkable scientific opportunity. Through the use
of optical and radar telescopes, we will be able to observe the asteroid in great detail, possibly
even capturing surface features as small as a few meters. This will provide valuable information
about Apophis' shape. Additionally, we have the advantage of a dedicated spacecraft called
OSIRIS-REX, which will closely approach Apophis. Just a few months ago, OSIRIS-REX completed its
final task for this mission by releasing its sample capsule containing pieces of the
Bennu asteroid. These samples are currently being analyzed in Earth laboratories and are expected to
provide unprecedented insights into the formation of the solar system. Interestingly, shortly before
delivery, the spacecraft altered its course by firing its engines, redirecting toward Apophis,
and earning a new name, OSIRIS-APEX. OSIRIS-APEX is scheduled to enter orbit
around Apophis shortly after the asteroid's close approach to Earth. Its mission is to
assess how this encounter has impacted the asteroid's orbit, spin rate, and surface.
As previously mentioned, the spacecraft will observe Apophis both before and after
its close encounter with Earth. This is crucial because when an asteroid comes close to a planet,
it undergoes certain changes. Firstly, it is set on a different orbit, and secondly, it may
lose some material, leading to a change in its mass. Allow me to explain these points further.
To predict the precise position of an asteroid, observations are necessary. Telescopes track the
asteroid, and techniques help determine its likely path based on available data. However,
these observations are not completely accurate and are associated with a certain level of
uncertainty. Astronomers can only provide the most probable position of the asteroid at a given time,
while the true position may deviate from this estimation. The more observations made,
the smaller the uncertainty, resulting in greater accuracy in determining the asteroid's position.
However, when an object passes very close to Earth, the uncertainties increase significantly.
This is due to the gravitational force exerted by Earth, which alters the object's orbit,
as well as the potential loss of material from the asteroid's surface caused by Earth's pull.
This is why it is crucial for OSIRIS-APEX to observe Apophis before and after the close
approach. By doing so, we can better understand the effects of Earth on Apophis and enhance our
understanding of the universe. ---
Outro The study of asteroids
is essential for uncovering the origins of our existence. These celestial bodies are thought
to be fragments left over from the formation of planets and hold invaluable information
about the history of our solar system. When we observe the vastness of the universe,
it is akin to gazing into a mirror. The deeper we delve, the more we learn about our own identity.
It is our insatiable and extraordinary curiosity that propels us towards uncharted territories,
where no one has ventured before, at least as far as our knowledge extends. Exciting, isn't it?
--- Hey! This video ends here. Thanks for watching.
Are you planning to see Apophis passing by Earth in 2029? Let us know in the comments below. I’ll
see you next time on the channel! ---