The Story of Apophis: A Close Encounter with Earth

TLDRIn 2004, astronomers discovered an asteroid named Apophis that had a 2.7% chance of colliding with Earth in 2029. Further analysis showed that the asteroid posed no immediate danger, but it will pass very close to our planet. NASA's Osiris-REx spacecraft, originally launched to collect samples from another asteroid, will now visit Apophis to study its orbit and surface. Other missions and deflection strategies are also being proposed to protect Earth from potentially hazardous asteroids.

Key insights

🚀In 2004, astronomers discovered an asteroid, Apophis, with a 2.7% chance of colliding with Earth in 2029.

🌍Further analysis determined that Apophis posed no immediate danger but will come very close to our planet.

🛰️NASA's Osiris-REx spacecraft, originally launched to collect samples from another asteroid, will now visit Apophis to study its orbit and surface.

🌌Other missions and deflection strategies are being proposed to protect Earth from potentially hazardous asteroids.

🌠Studying Apophis now can provide valuable information for future intervention against asteroids.

Q&A

What is the chance of Apophis colliding with Earth in 2029?

—Apophis had a 2.7% chance of colliding with Earth in 2029, but further analysis showed that it poses no immediate danger.

What is NASA's plan for studying Apophis?

—NASA's Osiris-REx spacecraft, originally launched to collect samples from another asteroid, will now visit Apophis to study its orbit and surface.

Are there any other missions planned for Apophis?

—Several missions and deflection strategies are being proposed to protect Earth from potentially hazardous asteroids, including missions to Apophis.

Can studying Apophis help prevent future asteroid collisions?

—Studying Apophis now can provide valuable information for planning and executing interventions against asteroids in the future.

What is the significance of Apophis's close encounter with Earth?

—Apophis's close encounter with Earth offers a unique opportunity to study the asteroid and learn more about its composition and behavior.

Timestamped Summary

00:00In 2004, astronomers discovered an asteroid named Apophis with a 2.7% chance of colliding with Earth in 2029.

01:30Further analysis showed that Apophis posed no immediate danger, but it will pass very close to our planet.

03:15NASA's Osiris-REx spacecraft, originally launched to collect samples from another asteroid, will now visit Apophis to study its orbit and surface.

04:45Other missions and deflection strategies are being proposed to protect Earth from potentially hazardous asteroids.

05:55Studying Apophis now can provide valuable information for future intervention against asteroids.

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