Asteroid Apophis Set To Approach Earth in 2029, ISRO Warns of Potential Continental Devastation
ISRO is closely monitoring asteroid Apophis, named the 'God of Chaos,' which is set for a close flyby of Earth on April 13, 2029, as global space agencies, including NASA, prepare missions to study and potentially deflect it.
Mumbai, September 10: What if a massive asteroid, dubbed the "God of Chaos," came hurtling toward Earth? That scenario may not be too far off, as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been closely monitoring a giant asteroid named Apophis, set for a close encounter with Earth on April 13, 2029. Apophis, which takes its name from the Egyptian deity associated with destruction, is projected to pass just 32,000km from Earth, prompting ISRO to warn of potential continental devastation.
ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath has stressed the importance of planetary defence, recognising the existential threat posed by Apophis, as reported by NDTV. While the odds of Apophis striking Earth are low, its size, estimated at 340 to 450 meters in diameter, poses significant risks if its trajectory were to change. The asteroid's approach is being followed worldwide, with global space agencies preparing missions to study its composition and possible deflection methods. Asteroid Spotted in Earth’s Atmosphere; Breaks Apart Over Philippines Coast Moments After Discovery: NASA (Watch Video).
NASA is spearheading efforts to avert a potential disaster posed by the asteroid Apophis through various missions aimed at understanding and mitigating its threat. One of NASA's key initiatives is the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which, after returning samples from another asteroid, will be redirected to meet with Apophis. The European Space Agency's planned Rapid Apophis Mission for Security and Safety (RAMSES) aims to enhance understanding of this cosmic threat. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to develop methods to deflect or mitigate the asteroid's impact. Meteor Light Caught on Camera: Sky Lit Up Over Philippines As Small Asteroid Burns Up in Earth’s Atmosphere, Mesmerising Videos Surface.
Apophis is a large asteroid with an estimated diameter between 340 to 450 meters, making it one of the more significant near-Earth objects. Its proximity to Earth will be closer than any other asteroid of comparable size. The potential consequences of a collision could be dire, with the capacity to cause continent-wide devastation or even global disruption. The asteroid's approach on April 13, 2029, and a potential follow-up approach in 2036 have heightened concerns among scientists and space agencies.
According to ISRO, any asteroid larger than 300 meters could cause "continental scale devastation," with a 10km asteroid having the potential to cause "mass extinction." The report also noted that the most devastating asteroid impacts in history, such as the event that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs 650 million years ago, underscore the gravity of the threat. Apophis was first discovered in 2004, and its close approach in 2029 is being monitored closely to prevent potential disasters.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2024 05:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).