Scientists can’t rule out giant asteroid Apophis impacting Earth in 2068

In a year of so many disasters and stress, it’s no wonder that so many people are focusing on asteroids and if they could hit Earth. This concern is projected into the future as we plan to welcome the massive asteroid Apophis to our neighborhood.

Apophis is expected to make a series of visits over the next few decades, but one that leads to breathless headlines for now, a close-in approach is planned for 2068. The asteroid is estimated to be over 1,000 feet (300 meters). It’s like flying the Eiffel Tower in space.

Researchers at the University of Hawaii’s Institute of Astronomy (IfA) have announced the detection of a phenomenon called Yarkovsky acceleration on the asteroid. “This acceleration results from an extremely small force on an object due to non-uniform thermal radiation,” the university said in a statement in late October. It’s basically a slight boost from the effects of sunlight, but it can change the path of an asteroid over time.

Previously, scientists did not believe that a 2068 impact scenario with Earth could occur. The new observations “show that the asteroid is moving away from a purely gravitational orbit of about 170 meters per year, which is enough to keep the 2068 impact scenario in play,” the astronomer said. ‘IfA Dave Tholen.

Apophis was first spotted in 2004, and scientists have revised what we know about its path as more data is collected. In 2013, researchers determined it wouldn’t hit us in 2036.

A 2029 impact was also previously excluded. Apophis will approach on Friday, April 13, 2029 and should be visible from Earth to the naked eye. This visit should help astronomers determine the future trajectory of the asteroid.

In the meantime, scientists are working on ways to deal with potentially dangerous asteroids. NASA DART Mission, for example, will demonstrate a method of crashing a spaceship on the moon of an asteroid in order to push it. If that works, the concept could be used to push threatening asteroids onto safer paths.

The uncertainty surrounding Apophis is a bit disturbing, but you shouldn’t be putting the end of time on your calendar yet. “Astronomers will know long before 2068 if there is a chance of an impact,” the University of Hawaii said. Not moving. Scientists are watching him closely.