Apophis, a colossal asteroid larger than the Eiffel Tower, will make an unprecedentedly close approach to Earth in 2029

Astronomical anticipation is building as 99942 Apophis, ominously dubbed the ‘God of chaos,’ prepares for an unusually close encounter with Earth in 2029. This asteroid, measuring larger than the iconic Eiffel Tower, is expected to approach nearer to our planet than the geostationary satellites crucial for TV broadcasting, navigation, and weather forecasting.

The date marked for this nerve-wracking celestial event is Friday the 13th of April 2029, a fittingly ominous date for an encounter with a celestial giant. Initial calculations suggest Apophis will pass closer to Earth than any asteroid of its size in recorded history, presenting an unprecedented opportunity for scientific observation and, for some, a source of mild existential concern.

However, allaying fears of an apocalypse, the European Space Agency (ESA) has taken proactive measures. In a mission named Rapid Apophis Mission for Security and Safety (Ramses), ESA plans to launch a spacecraft in April 2028 to rendezvous with Apophis by February 2029. This mission aims to closely monitor the asteroid’s trajectory and behaviour as it approaches Earth, gathering crucial data about its size, shape, mass, and rotational dynamics.

Richard Moissl, head of ESA’s Planetary Defence Office, emphasized the significance of Ramses: “This mission is pivotal in humanity’s efforts to understand and potentially mitigate the threat posed by hazardous asteroids like Apophis.”

The decision to launch Ramses follows the success of NASA’s DART mission in 2022, which demonstrated the feasibility of asteroid deflection strategies. Scientists are particularly interested in how Earth’s gravitational influence will affect Apophis during its close flyby, a phenomenon that could provide insights into future planetary defence strategies.

Apophis first captured global attention upon its discovery in 2004, initially raising concerns about potential collisions with Earth during its orbits around the Sun. Subsequent calculations have ruled out any impact during its 2029 and 2036 approaches, providing a temporary sigh of relief for Earth’s inhabitants.

However, the asteroid’s proximity to Earth remains a stark reminder of the potentially catastrophic consequences of celestial impacts. Professor Monica Grady of the Open University highlighted the existential threat posed by asteroids, referencing the catastrophic event believed to have led to the extinction of dinosaurs: “If it’s a big asteroid and it hits us, it’ll be a catastrophe which will destroy humanity.”

Despite the ominous undertones, the close approach of Apophis offers a unique spectacle for stargazers. An estimated two billion people across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia will have the opportunity to witness the asteroid fly by, visible to the naked eye under clear skies.

Analysis:

• Political: The Ramses mission underscores international collaboration in planetary defence, showcasing ESA’s leadership in safeguarding Earth from cosmic threats. It highlights the importance of scientific diplomacy in addressing global challenges.
• Social: Apophis’s close approach sparks public interest in astronomy and planetary science, fostering discussions on planetary defence strategies and the existential risks posed by near-Earth objects.
• Environmental: The study of Apophis provides valuable data on asteroid dynamics and impact scenarios, informing future efforts to protect Earth’s biosphere from potential catastrophic events.
• Scientific: The Ramses mission aims to advance our understanding of asteroid behaviour and gravitational interactions, contributing to the broader field of planetary science and space exploration.
• Technological: The deployment of Ramses demonstrates advancements in space technology and mission planning, showcasing ESA’s capabilities in conducting complex interplanetary missions.