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The time is drawing near for Earth to be visited by one of the most discussed asteroids, highly anticipated by scientists due to its dangerous nature and the possibility of it impacting us.
This is the asteroid Apophis, also known as the God of Chaos or the forces of evil, which is expected to approach us in the not-too-distant future. Read on to learn the details of this celestial body's passage.
According to estimates from the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this asteroid will approach our planet after having triggered space alerts due to its high probability of impact and the hypothetical consequences it would leave behind.
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When will Apophis approach Earth?
NASA estimates it will approach Earth on April 19, 2029. It will be at a distance of 32,000 kilometers above the Earth's surface, much closer than the Moon, which is at a distance of 384,000 kilometers. In fact, it is estimated that it will be closer than satellites in geostationary orbit, making it even brighter and more likely to be seen easily.
New data revealed suggests that the asteroid's passage will be easily seen by approximately 7.6 billion people in Australia, Asia, the North Atlantic, Africa, Europe, and parts of South America. In North America, including Mexico, the use of binoculars or telescopes will be required.
Is there a danger of it impacting Earth?
According to data from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), an impact of the God of Chaos against Earth has been ruled out for the next century.
Initial assessments of the celestial body suggested that it would indeed impact at some point in the coming decades, but after more precise and advanced analysis, those possibilities were ruled out.
"An impact in 2068 is not possible, and our calculations do not show any risk of impact for at least the next 100 years," agrees a report from the Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS).
How big is the asteroid Apophis?
Discovered in 2004, the asteroid, which is named after the Egyptian god Apophis, or God of chaos, darkness, and evil, measures approximately 376 meters in diameter, according to ESA estimates.
Its size is compared to the height of the Empire State Building in New York, which is 380 meters tall. Experts classify it as an S-type or "stony" asteroid. It is composed of silicate materials and a mixture of metallic nickel and iron.
[Publicidad]