When a massive asteroid flies exceptionally close to Earth in a few years, a space mission will be ready to observe it. The European Space Agency announced that a spacecraft named Ramses is prepared to rendezvous with the asteroid Apophis, which will pass just 19,900 miles from Earth in 2029. Scientists emphasize that an object of this size coming so close to Earth is rare, occurring perhaps once every 5,000 to 10,000 years.
Massive ‘Colossal God Of Chaos’ Asteroid On Course To Have A Very Close Encounter With Earth
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Researchers have ruled out the possibility of Apophis colliding with Earth during this close flyby. However, future asteroid encounters could be more dangerous. The Ramses mission aims to gather data about Apophis to improve our ability to defend Earth against potential asteroid threats.
The Ramses spacecraft will launch a year before the flyby and meet Apophis before it passes Earth, accompanying it out of our orbit. During this time, the mission will observe how Earth’s gravity affects the asteroid’s surface, potentially triggering landslides and other disturbances. This observation will help scientists understand how such forces might alter an asteroid’s physical characteristics, improving planetary defense strategies.
A Massive Asteroid Will Be Zooming By Earth Tonight—Here’s How To Spot It #Earth #Asteroid #NASA #Astronomyhttps://t.co/9QAvlei1ax
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Apophis, named after an ancient Egyptian god of disorder, measures nearly a quarter of a mile long. It will be visible to the naked eye when it passes Earth in April 2029. The European Space Agency predicts that this event will draw significant global attention, with clear night skies offering visibility in much of Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia.
Key Points:
- The European Space Agency’s Ramses spacecraft will rendezvous with the asteroid Apophis, which will pass very close to Earth in 2029.
- Apophis, nearly a quarter-mile long, will fly just 19,900 miles from Earth, an event that occurs once every 5,000 to 10,000 years.
- The Ramses mission aims to gather data to improve planetary defense strategies against potential future asteroid threats.
- Researchers will observe how Earth’s gravity affects Apophis, potentially causing landslides and revealing new material.
- Apophis will be visible to the naked eye in much of Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia during its close approach in April 2029.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
