Scientists have, for the first time in history, precisely calculated the path and timing of a giant asteroid that will be visible to the naked eye. Here is the date when the celestial body known as Apophis will make its close approach to Earth.
Space scientists have already begun mapping the historic flyby of the skyscraper-sized asteroid 99942 Apophis. At a special workshop held at the University of Padua in Italy, astronomers gathered to share detailed projections on when and where this rare celestial event will be visible.
According to the latest calculations, on April 13, 2029, about 90% of the world's population — roughly 7.6 billion people — will have a chance to witness the event with the naked eye, provided weather conditions and light pollution allow it.
Experts say the object will not flash across the sky like a meteor and disappear. Instead, it will move slowly across the sky for hours, shining like a bright star and traveling more slowly than many satellites appear to move.
At its closest approach, Apophis will pass about 31,600 kilometers above Earth. That is even closer than the orbital position of many communications satellites.
Astronomers stress that this is the first time in history that the timing and route of an asteroid of this size have been predicted with such precision.
When Apophis was discovered in 2004, initial calculations caused alarm by suggesting a 1-in-37 chance of striking Earth in 2029. But more than two decades of precise observations have completely ruled out that possibility.
NASA and other international space agencies have confirmed that Apophis poses no threat to Earth for at least the next 100 years.
With the impact risk eliminated, scientists now see the event as a unique laboratory opportunity. Earth's gravity is expected to alter the asteroid's orbit, and experts say the strong gravitational pull could even trigger landslides on Apophis's surface.
