On Friday, a giant asteroid about the size of the Eiffel Tower zipped to Earth. The planet had no danger to Earth on this flyby because it is more than 40 times farther from Earth than the Moon. However, on April 13, 2029, Apophis will come very close to Earth.
Scientists consider this week’s Flyby to be a dress rehearsal for 2029, when the opium poppy will come closer to Earth’s zeal. That year, Apophis will come closer than some of the highest orbiting satellites around the Earth. The asteroid measures 1120 feet wide and is made of rock, iron and nickel.
Scientists believe that it is roughly shaped like a peanut and that they have the closest opportunity to observe an asteroid as it passes close to Earth on Friday. The Apophis was too far to see with the naked eye, so scientists photographed a flying asteroid using the NASA Goldstone Deep Space Communication Complex in California and the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia.
The planetary radar study was to give researchers a baseline for a significantly closer flyby in 2029. Apophis is expected to be 19,800 miles closer to Earth on its next route. Scientists say that the apophysis has a very complex spin state that simultaneously sees asteroid spinning and disturbance.
Interestingly, during its approaching approach in 2029, Apophis will soon appear to the naked eye on Western Australia. In that area, the asteroid will be as bright as the stars in the Big Dipper. Its closest Earth pass will take place on April 13, 2029 at 6 p.m. EDT. It will not hit Earth in 2029 or its next pass in 2036. However, there is little chance of the planet hitting the planet in 2068.
