Asteroid ‘God of Chaos’ to Pass Near Earth in Three Years

An asteroid called Apophis will pass near Earth in three years. This event is important because it gives scientists a chance to study this large space rock closely. Apophis will fly by Earth on April 13, 2029, and come within about 20,000 miles of the surface. This distance is closer than many satellites, which orbit about 22,000 miles away.

Scientists say Apophis is “a potentially hazardous asteroid,” but NASA has assured everyone that it will not hit Earth during this close approach. After careful monitoring, experts believe there is no risk of an impact for at least 100 years.

People in the Eastern Hemisphere will have the chance to see Apophis with their own eyes, depending on the weather. Rarely does an asteroid this big come so close. NASA estimates that such events happen only once every few thousand years. This will be the first time Apophis will be closely observed with modern technology.

During its flyby, Earth’s gravity might cause small changes on the asteroid’s surface. Scientists think Apophis is made of materials from the early solar system that never formed into planets. Apophis is about 1,115 feet wide, similar to three football fields. It was first discovered in 2004 by astronomers in Arizona.

How much do you know?

What is the date when Apophis will fly by Earth?

April 13, 2029

March 15, 2028

May 22, 2030

January 1, 2029

How far will Apophis come from the Earth's surface during its flyby?

10,000 miles

20,000 miles

30,000 miles

22,000 miles

How wide is Apophis?

1,000 feet

1,115 feet

1,200 feet

1,500 feet

In which year was Apophis first discovered?

2000

2004

2010

2015

What do scientists call Apophis?

A harmless rock

A potentially hazardous asteroid

A satellite

A comet

How often do close approaches of large asteroids happen, according to NASA?

Once a year

Once every few days

Once every few hundred years

Once every few thousand years

NASA believes that Apophis will hit Earth during its close approach.

True False

Apophis will pass Earth at a distance further than many satellites.

True False

The flyby of Apophis offers a rare opportunity to study the asteroid.

True False

Apophis is about the width of two football fields.

True False

Earth's gravity might affect the surface of Apophis during the flyby.

True False

People in the Western Hemisphere will be able to see Apophis clearly.

True False

Apophis is estimated to come within miles of the Earth's surface.

The flyby of Apophis will take place on April 13,

Apophis was first discovered in by astronomers in Arizona.

Scientists consider Apophis to be a hazardous asteroid.

Apophis is about feet wide, which is similar to three football fields.

NASA estimates that large asteroid close approaches occur only once every years.

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