99942 Apophis
Asteroid 99942 Apophis is a near-Earth asteroid, discovered in 2004, which generated considerable attention as, before its orbit was refined, it was believed there was a chance it might strike Planet Earth, in 2029.[1][2]
Apophis's diameter is 340 metres (1,120 ft).[1] It takes approximately 0.9 years to orbit Sol, our sun. Its close approach to Earth in 2029 is expected to alter its period to 1.2 years.
A space probe named Osirix-Apex is being prepared to rendezvous with Apophis during its 2029 close approach.[3]
References
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"Apophis Facts". NASA Science. 2025-03-28. Archived from the original on 2026-06-05. Retrieved 2026-06-09.
Asteroid Apophis will safely pass close to Earth on April 13, 2029. This will be the closest approach to Earth by an asteroid of this size that scientists have known about in advance.
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"Apophis". NASA Science. 2020-06-18. Archived from the original on 2023-09-29. Retrieved 2026-06-09.
Near-Earth asteroid Apophis is a potentially hazardous asteroid that will safely pass close to Earth on April 13, 2029. It will come about 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometers) from our planet’s surface — closer than the distance of many satellites in geosynchronous orbit (about 22,236 miles, or 36,000 kilometers, in altitude).
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Jamie Adkins (2023-10-31). "OSIRIS-APEX". NASA Science. Archived from the original on 2026-05-25. Retrieved 2026-06-09.
OSIRIS-APEX will allow scientists on Earth to observe these changes. Additionally, the OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft will dip toward the surface of Apophis – a “stony” asteroid made of silicate (or rocky) material and a mixture of metallic nickel and iron – and fire its engines to kick up loose rocks and dust. This maneuver will give scientists a peek at the composition of material just below the asteroid’s surface.
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