The asteroid Apophis is set to make a close pass by Earth in 2029, an event that MIT News says could be visible to billions of people. The flyby is being described as a rare opportunity, with some outlets calling it a "once-per-millennium" occurrence, according to reporting from Scientific American.
Multiple spacecraft are expected to study the asteroid during its approach, as noted by Yahoo. The event has drawn widespread coverage, with The News International comparing the asteroid's size to that of the Empire State Building. MIT News, which published the original report, highlights the scientific significance of the flyby.
Apophis, named for the Egyptian god of chaos, has been a subject of interest for astronomers since its discovery. The 2029 pass will bring it unusually close to Earth, providing a chance for both professional researchers and the general public to observe a large asteroid up close. The visibility of the event to such a large population makes it a unique moment for planetary science, according to the reporting.
The swarm of spacecraft slated to observe Apophis underscores the importance of the mission. Scientists are expected to gather detailed data on the asteroid's composition, structure, and trajectory during the encounter. This information could prove valuable for future planetary defense efforts, as understanding near-Earth objects is a key priority for space agencies.
What to watch next: As the 2029 flyby approaches, expect more details on the specific spacecraft involved and the data they aim to collect during the close pass.
