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An asteroid "DOOMSDAY" named after the Egyptian god of chaos could erase our planet in our lifetime – and it has forced a rally of some of the brightest scientists in the world.
Apophis has the size of seven London buses and will approach our planet worryingly many times in the next century.
Getty – Contributor
Some experts believe that the asteroid will reach our planet on one of these overflights, while others believe that the risks of impact are unlikely.
Apophis is being discussed this week by space scientists at the 2019 Planetary Defense Conference in Maryland, United States.
Among other topics, experts discuss the best way to study Apophis as it flies over the Earth during its next flight on April 13, 2029.
The conversation follows NASA's boss's warning yesterday that a catastrophic onslaught of asteroids on Earth could take place in our lifetime.
UH / IA
Apophis is expected to cross the Earth in 2029 harmlessly, reaching approximately 30,000 km above the surface, at the distance of some satellites orbiting the Earth.
It is rare that an asteroid of this size passes near the Earth so close. In this case, Apophis will appear as a luminous trail in the sky, like a shooting star.
"The close approach of Apophis in 2029 will be an incredible opportunity for science," said NASA scientist Marina Brozovi.
"We will observe the asteroid with optical and radar telescopes, and with radar observations we may be able to see details of the surface a few meters away."
Scientists are discussing the unusual opportunity of sending a spaceship to the rock.
In particular, they wish to study the impact of Earth's gravity on the trajectory, spin effects, and surface features of Apophis.
This work could also help us defend against future asteroid attacks.
"Apophis is a representative of about 2,000 potentially dangerous asteroids currently known," said Paul Chodas, boss of objects close to NASA.
"By observing Apophis during its 2029 flight, we will gain important scientific knowledge that could one day be used for planetary defense."
Since its discovery in 2004, NASA and other scientists have closely followed the path taken by Apophis around the Sun.
The readings predict future collisions with the Earth as it revolves around the star – and scientists are divided on the danger that this represents.
Russian scientists have recently warned that Apophis, full name Apophis 99942, could enter the Earth at a speed of 15,000 km / h.
According to them, the path of the apocalyptic rock around the Sun means that there are "100 possible collisions between Apophis and the Earth, the most dangerous of them in 2068".
However, NASA remains unconvinced.
"Current calculations show that Apophis still has a small chance of having an impact on Earth, less than 1 in 100,000 in several decades," said Dwayne Brown of NASA.
"One can expect future measures of one's position to exclude potential impacts."
What is the difference between an asteroid, a meteor and a comet?
Here's what you need to know, according to NASA …
- Asteroid: An asteroid is a small rocky body that revolves around the sun. Most are found in the asteroid belt (between Mars and Jupiter) but can be found anywhere (including in a path that may impact the Earth).
- meteoroid: When two asteroids hit each other, the small pieces that come off call me meteorites
- Meteor: If a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere, it starts to vaporize and becomes a meteor. On Earth, it will look like a trail of light in the sky, because the rock burns
- Meteorite: If a meteoroid does not vaporize completely and survives the journey into the Earth's atmosphere, it can land on Earth. At this point, it becomes a meteorite
- Comet: Like asteroids, a comet revolves around the sun. However, rather than being mainly composed of rock, a comet contains a lot of ice and gas, which can lead to the formation of breathtaking tails behind them (thanks to the vaporization of ice and dust)
On Monday, NASA boss Jim Bridenstine called for the urgent publication of a global study on the threat posed to humanity by a collision between a large asteroid.
And the NASA administrator called on the world powers to begin immediately to prepare for the impact of the meteors.
Mr Bridenstine said: "We have to make sure people understand that it is not Hollywood or cinema.
"It is ultimately about protecting the only planet we know today to welcome life and which is the planet Earth"
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In addition, NASA's solar sensor, Parker Solar Probe, "plunges into the sun" at 213,000 km / h as part of a bold investigation into the star of our solar system.
The space agency is also on the verge of finding an extra-terrestrial life within a few decades, but warns that it is "unlikely that we would shake hands with them."
And NASA hopes to send astronauts back to the moon by 2024.
Are you worried about asteroid strikes? Let us know in the comments!
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