In an update that might reassure literally everyone on Earth, a new study is effectively debunking any speculation that the infamous asteroid Apophis will collide with our planet.
Initially discovered in 2004 and officially named asteroid 99942, Apophis quickly gained notoriety as one of the most hazardous asteroids in our solar system. This was due to its projected course and potential to strike Earth. However, as astronomers closely monitored its trajectory over the years, it’s now becoming evident that Apophis, stretching about 335 meters across, will safely bypass our planet.
The study, conducted by Western University astronomer Paul Wiegert and Benjamin Hyatt from the University of Waterloo, specifically investigated what might occur if Apophis’ orbit was altered by a collision with another asteroid. The conclusion? It won’t, the researchers claim. Wiegert and Hyatt find that such an event is highly improbable.
Apophis is particularly famous for its forthcoming close approaches to Earth, notably on April 13, 2029, when it is expected to skim past our planet at a relatively short distance of 37,399 kilometers. Apophis will pass by again in 2036. Despite the initial concerns, further studies have confirmed that these encounters will not pose any danger to Earth.
“We calculated the paths of all known asteroids using a detailed computer simulation of our Solar System and the possibility of such an unlikely event was evaluated,” says Wiegert, a physics & astronomy professor, in a media release. “Fortunately, no such collisions are anticipated.”
Source: https://studyfinds.org/zero-chance-apophis-strikes-earth/