Since its discovery in 2004, the asteroid with the catchy name of 99942 Apophis has concerned scientists, because its orbit brings it dangerously close to Earth. It is about the size of the Eiffel Tower and potentially could do great damage to anything in its path. Most asteroids are in a secure orbit, but there are a few asteroids like Apophis that cross Earth’s course. Scientists now have a better understanding of the asteroid’s flight path and see it more as a “chance in a lifetime” opportunity for study. In April 2029 the asteroid will fly within 20,000 miles of Earth, which means it will be closer than many satellites used for GPS, weather, TV, etc. The asteroid will be so close that scientists expect that Earth’s gravity will alter the asteroid’s shape.
In late 2028, as the asteroid approaches Earth, the European Space Agency (ESA) will send up a small probe, Ramses, which will test “defense of Earth” capabilities to prevent a catastrophic collision between Earth and an asteroid. The ESA mission will also study the asteroid’s mass, form, spin, and its internal composition and structures. After the asteroid passes Earth, NASA’s Osiris-Apex mission will study how Earth’s gravity changed the asteroid. It will hover so close to the stony asteroid that its engines will kick up loose rocks and dust to reveal details below the surface. NASA’s Osiris-Apex mission is headed by Dr. Dani Mendoza DellaGiustina, a Mexican-American researcher considered one of the world’s leading experts on asteroids.
