The European Space Agency (ESA) reported that on April 13, 2029, asteroid (99942) Apophis will pass less than 32,000 kilometers from the Earth’s surface. Apophis will briefly be closer to Earth than telecommunications satellites in geostationary orbit. Observers from Europe, Africa and most of Asia will be able to see it with the naked eye in the night sky.

Asteroid Apophis was discovered in 2004 at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona (USA). Preliminary data suggested that a collision with Earth in 2029, 2036 or 2068 was unlikely. However, since such a collision could have devastating consequences, the asteroid was named after the Egyptian god of chaos and destruction.

Observations made by astronomers in subsequent years ruled out any collision for at least the next 100 years.

However, Apophis’ approach in 2029 is a unique opportunity for scientists and astronomy enthusiasts. Space agencies and scientific institutes around the world plan to examine the asteroid closely with telescopes and spacecraft from Earth.