8legs: Earth

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20h ago

NASA announces date 'God of Chaos' asteroid will fly close to planet Earth

NASA confirms that Apophis will pass Earth at a distance of about 20,000 miles in 2029, a record-close approach for an object of this size.
The God of Chaos asteroid is roughly 375 meters long, comparable in size to the Eiffel Tower.
In 2029, Apophis will be briefly visible to the naked eye for several hours during its close pass.
Radar observations in 2021 eliminated the collision risk for at least the next century.
Apophis was first identified in 2004, with early concerns it could collide with Earth in 2029, 2036, or 2068.
The asteroid is named Apophis after the ancient Egyptian god of evil and destruction.
NASA monitors about 2,000 space rocks that could pass near Earth, underscoring ongoing monitoring efforts.
Experts view this close approach as a rare scientific opportunity to study a large asteroid up close.
NASA stated in 2021 that the 2029 flyby would be the closest approach by something this large currently known.
The 2029 event could be observed in the night sky on Friday the 13th, 2029, adding to its notable aura.

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