The European Space Agency (ESA) has preliminary plans for a mission to explore a large asteroid called Apophis. The mission aims to map the asteroid, officially known as (99942). For space security, this mission, called the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (RAMSES), is designed to reach Apophis in February 2029. NASA will also capture an image of Apophis during the same close approach. OSIRIS-APEX is preparing for its mission to investigate.
What is Apophis?
Apophis is a near-Earth asteroid, meaning that its orbit around the Sun brings it within 1.3 times the distance between the Sun and Earth. Its full name is Apophis 99942. In 2004, after the discovery of Apophis, the asteroid was estimated to have a 2.7% chance of hitting Earth in 2029, garnering much media attention. There was also a slight chance of it hitting Earth in 2036. Additional observations have shown that it will not hit Earth in 2029 or 2036.
Still, in 2029, Apophis will come closer to Earth than our geostationary communications satellites, which will likely generate a lot of interest. The Planetary Society has presented recommendations identifying science and outreach opportunities to the U.S. scientific community. They have also presented these recommendations at workshops and conferences.
Is Apophis a threat?
Apophis poses no threat to Earth during its flyby in 2029, but it is important to study such a large asteroid closely and prepare a better response to any asteroid in the future. This event provides a unique opportunity to prepare. ESA’s Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (RAMSES) aims to rendezvous with Apophis and explore the asteroid up close.
How to pronounce Apophis?
Apophis is pronounced uh-PAH-fis, with the emphasis usually on the second syllable.
Who discovered Apophis?
Apophis was discovered on June 19, 2004, by Roy Tucker, David Tholen, and Fabrizio Bernardi at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona. Tucker was the first U.S. astronomer to do so in 2002. He received a grant from the Near-Earth Object Grant Program, which funds advanced amateur astronomers who discover, track, and characterize near-Earth objects.
How big is Apophis?
Like most asteroids, Apophis is so small that we cannot determine its exact size and scale from Earth. Radar images have revealed that it is 450 meters (1,500 feet) long on its longest axis, which is about the length of five football fields and taller than the Empire State Building in New York City. It is also tall. On its shortest axis, it measures about 170 meters. It may be egg-shaped or even resemble Arrokoth, the tiny world that NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft flew by in 2019.
Asteroid Impacts in History
Large asteroids have struck Earth in the past, causing mass extinction events. For example, scientists believe that the impact of an asteroid 66 million years ago was a major cause of the extinction of the dinosaurs. A collision with a large asteroid would release a huge amount of energy, possibly equivalent to several nuclear explosions.
Why Are Asteroids a Threat?
It’s perfectly acceptable to worry about an asteroid hitting Earth, even though most asteroids break up before they even enter Earth’s atmosphere. However, an asteroid could, like the one that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs, travel out of its orbit and collide with Earth.
Relation to Ancient Mythology
The names RAMSES and OSIRIS-APEX are rooted in Egyptian mythology. In Egyptian folklore, Apophis symbolizes a force of darkness that tries to devour the sun god, Ra. These missions, in a way, represent humanity’s attempt to “conquer” the dangerous space object, just as in the myths Ra fought against Apophis.
When Will 99942 Apophis Hit Earth?
99942 Apophis (provisional designation 2004 MN4) is a near-Earth asteroid and potentially hazardous object, measuring 450 by 170 meters. Its approach in December 2004 briefly caused concern in the U.S. when initial observations suggested a 2.7% chance that it would collide with Earth on Friday, April 13, 2029.
Will We Be Able to See Apophis?
In 2029, Apophis will be visible from Europe, Africa, and western Asia, appearing as a bright star (magnitude 3.1) moving rapidly across the sky. However, in 2036 it will be too distant to be visible without telescopes.
Why Are Asteroids a Threat to Earth?
When an asteroid hits Earth, dust and smoke rise in the atmosphere, preventing sunlight from reaching our planet and causing the overall temperature to drop. This phenomenon can lead to the death of many organisms.
What Does “Asteroid” Mean?
Asteroids are the rocky, airless remnants of what was left of our solar system’s initial formation, about 4.6 billion years ago.
Can the Asteroid Be Seen from Earth?
Observing comets, asteroids, and other near-Earth objects (NEOs) is a fascinating spectacle if you are able to spot any of them in the night sky.
FAQs: Rapid Apophis Mission
Which Planet Looks Like Earth?
Answer: Kepler-452b
On Which Planets Is Life Possible?
Answer: Earth
Why Do Asteroids Cause So Much Damage?
Answer: Because of the environmental impacts they cause.
How Do Asteroids Fall to Earth?
Answer: After passing through the atmosphere, the meteoroids that reach Earth’s surface are generally small. Most meteoroids reach Earth’s surface as dust or very small particles after atmospheric entry, which is why we rarely see them.
How Often Do Asteroids Pass by Earth?
Answer: A few times per year.
Why Don’t Asteroids Hit Earth?
Answer: This is due to the orbital dynamics of asteroids.
