We’ve been fortunate to witness numerous cosmic events recently. The sun’s solar maximum has triggered increased activity, including solar storms and remarkable northern lights on Earth. Additionally, a recent solar eclipse featured a rare path of ‘totality’ across parts of the US and Canada.
This summer, we can anticipate the sight of a nova—a sudden explosion from a collapsed white dwarf star. But the universe has even more wonders in store for us, including an event so rare that it will be one of the most extraordinary we have ever seen.
The upcoming event involves an asteroid, named 99942 Apophis, which could pose a future risk to Earth. Discovered in 2004, Apophis was initially classified as a level two threat—indicating a low risk of causing damage. However, recent observations have elevated its status to level four, with a 1.6% chance of impacting Earth in 2029.
According to NASA’s Torino Impact Hazard scale, a level four event is significant enough to warrant attention. NASA describes a level four threat as: “A close encounter, meriting attention by astronomers. Current calculations give a 1% or greater chance of collision capable of regional devastation.” This level of threat is rare and signifies heightened worries among scientists.
While detailed studies have ensured Apophis will not collide with Earth in 2029, 2036, or 2068, its close approaches remain a cause for scientific interest.
Davide Farnocchia from NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies assures us: “A 2068 impact is not in the realm of possibility anymore and our calculations don’t show any impact risk for at least the next 100 years.”
Although Apophis will not strike us in 2029, its proximity to Earth will be remarkably close. The asteroid will come within 32,000 kilometers of the Earth’s surface—nearer than many of our satellites. In fact, it will be visible from the Eastern Hemisphere without the need for telescopes or binoculars.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has described this flyby as “one of the rarest space events of our lives.” They noted on social media that an asteroid of Apophis’s size only comes this close to Earth roughly once every 5,000 to 10,000 years.
We hope you’re as excited as we are to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event! Remember to mark your calendars for the phenomenal approach of Apophis in 2029. It’s a stellar show you won’t want to miss.
