The 'god of chaos' asteroid Apophis is set to have a close encounter with Earth in 2029. Experts say that the peanut-shaped asteroid will undergo physical transformation following its journey. It will experience landslides and earthquakes that will alter its landscape dramatically.

The 1,100-foot-long asteroid was first discovered in 2021, and since then it has intrigued astronomers who have been constantly studying it. Apophis was initially feared to be on a collision course with Earth, but now experts say it has a much smaller chance of hitting the planet than earlier feared.&nbsp;

It will come as close as 32,000 kilometres to Earth on April 13, 2029. While Earth itself won't be affected, the planet's gravitational pull will lead rocks on the asteroid to tumble and toss around, altering the rocky visitor.&nbsp;

Ronald-Louis Ballouz, an asteroid scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory researched the implications of the flyby on Apophis. The study is currently available on the arXiv preprint database and has been accepted for publication in The Planetary Science Journal.

He told Live Science that asteroids normally face constant bombardment by tiny meteoroids in a process called space weathering. However, asteroids that pass close to planets like Earth do not have weathered surfaces. What happens to it?

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Experts believe that a planet's gravity pulls the rocks from the surface, revealing a smoother underlayer. Using computer models, Ballouz and other researchers created a specimen based on another two-lobed asteroid, Itokawa. They simulated the models moving towards Earth and noted all the changes that happened in the process.&nbsp;

<h2>Tremors and landslides on Apophis</h2>

The team found that Earth will shape Apophis in two ways during its 2029 encounter. Quakes will start to shake the surface of the asteroid around an hour before Apophis reaches its closest point to Earth. These tremors will continue for some more time after it has left Earth's region.

"Apophis' gravity is about 250,000 times smaller than Earth's. So, we think that events of much smaller magnitude could plausibly shake things up on its surface," he said.

Some rocks will get uprooted and escape the asteroids, while others will fall back creating noticeable patterns on their surface.&nbsp;

The other change will be in the speed of its rotation. Asteroids tumble through space since they don't have a fixed axis. When Apophis comes in contact with Earth's gravity, it will either start to spin more quickly or more slowly.

This will destabilise the sloping faces of surface rocks and can potentially trigger landslides, resulting in changes that will occur over tens of thousands of years.

NASA's OSIRIS-APEX mission will study Apophis during its 2029 encounter and note the changes that have occurred over a period of 18 months.

The 'god of chaos' asteroid Apophis is set to have a close encounter with Earth in 2029. Experts say that the peanut-shaped asteroid will undergo physical transformation following its journey.

The 'god of chaos' asteroid Apophis is set to have a close encounter with Earth in 2029. Experts say that the peanut-shaped asteroid will undergo physical transformation following its journey. It will experience landslides and earthquakes that will alter its landscape dramatically. The 1,100-foot-long asteroid was first discovered in 2021, and since then it has intrigued astronomers who have been constantly studying it. Apophis was initially feared to be on a collision course with Earth, but now experts say it has a much smaller chance of hitting the planet than earlier feared. It will come as close as 32,000 kilometres to Earth on April 13, 2029. While Earth itself won't be affected, the planet's gravitational pull will lead rocks on the asteroid to tumble and toss around, altering the rocky visitor. Ronald-Louis Ballouz, an asteroid scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory researched the implications of the flyby on Apophis. The study is currently available on the arXiv preprint database and has been accepted for publication in The Planetary Science Journal. He told Live Science that asteroids normally face constant bombardment by tiny meteoroids in a process called space weathering. However, asteroids that pass close to planets like Earth do not have weathered surfaces. What happens to it? Also Read: Colossal space reservoir containing water 100 trillion times of Earth's oceans discovered Experts believe that a planet's gravity pulls the rocks from the surface, revealing a smoother underlayer. Using computer models, Ballouz and other researchers created a specimen based on another two-lobed asteroid, Itokawa. They simulated the models moving towards Earth and noted all the changes that happened in the process. Tremors and landslides on Apophis The team found that Earth will shape Apophis in two ways during its 2029 encounter. Quakes will start to shake the surface of the asteroid around an hour before Apophis reaches its closest point to Earth. These tremors will continue for some more time after it has left Earth's region. "Apophis' gravity is about 250,000 times smaller than Earth's. So, we think that events of much smaller magnitude could plausibly shake things up on its surface," he said. Some rocks will get uprooted and escape the asteroids, while others will fall back creating noticeable patterns on their surface. The other change will be in the speed of its rotation. Asteroids tumble through space since they don't have a fixed axis. When Apophis comes in contact with Earth's gravity, it will either start to spin more quickly or more slowly. This will destabilise the sloping faces of surface rocks and can potentially trigger landslides, resulting in changes that will occur over tens of thousands of years. NASA's OSIRIS-APEX mission will study Apophis during its 2029 encounter and note the changes that have occurred over a period of 18 months.

What will happen to Apophis during its close call with Earth in 2029? A study answers the question

Apophis, the "god of chaos" asteroid, has a higher chance of hitting Earth than previously thought, new analyses suggest. The asteroid is moving towards our planet and will make a dangerously close approach in 2029.&nbsp;

Apophis was first discovered in 2004 and it was placed at level 4 on the Torino impact hazard scale - 0 means no chance of hitting and 10 means "a collision is certain" and might cause global climatic catastrophe.

Since NASA started monitoring potentially hazardous Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), this was the first asteroid to be assigned a rating of four on the scale. NASA describes the rating as, "A close encounter, meriting attention by astronomers."

As per current observations, the asteroid will safely pass by Earth, posing no threat in 2029, 2036 and 2068. However, the new study takes into account a slight chance that something hits Apophis while it is en route to our planet.&nbsp;

Canadian astronomer Paul Wiegert looked at the odds of a small object colliding with Apophis and setting it on a course towards Earth. Wiegert and co-author Ben Hyatt had earlier ruled out a collision but still found a small chance of a collision with other material.

The astronomers tried to study what size object could change the trajectory of Apophis and put it on a route on which it might hit Earth. They also studied other scenarios of an object hitting it which can put the asteroid&nbsp;on an Earth-bound trajectory in the future after 2029.&nbsp;

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What they found was that an impactor of around 0.6 metres (2 feet) can push the asteroid into one of the 2029 "keyhole" trajectories. This would set it up for a later collision with our planet. However, an impact in 2029 will happen only if Apophis collides with an object of around 3.4 metres (11.2 feet).

<h2>How likely is a collision?</h2>

The likelihood of an asteroid hitting Apophis is extremely low. Even if an impact does happen, the direction would also matter. Wiegert studied the number of objects over 3.4 metres in size in space and says the odds of an asteroid impacting it between now and 2029 are exceptionally low.&nbsp;

"The odds of an unseen small asteroid deflecting Apophis enough to direct it into a collision with Earth in 2029 (d ≳ 3.4 m, Δv &gt; 5 × 10−2 m s−1) are approximately 10−8," Wiegert says in the study.

"Given that only 5% of such impulses are in the correct direction to generate an Earth impact, the overall probability of a small impact directing Apophis into a collision with the Earth is less than one in 2 billion."

However, for a later impact after 2029, he puts the odds at less than one in a million. Despite being good odds, the risk of an impact still exists.&nbsp;

<h2>How do we know if Apophis has moved?</h2>

To know if this has happened, Wiegert says we need to wait another three years. "An additional element of the story is that Apophis has been largely unmonitored by telescopes since May 2021 and will remain so through 2027," he explained.&nbsp;

This is because "of the relative geometry of Apophis, Earth, and the Sun, which puts the asteroid in the daytime sky for the time span in question."

Apophis, the "god of chaos" asteroid, has a higher chance of hitting Earth than previously thought, new analyses suggest. The asteroid is moving towards our planet and will make a dangerously close approach in 2029.

Apophis, the "god of chaos" asteroid, has a higher chance of hitting Earth than previously thought, new analyses suggest. The asteroid is moving towards our planet and will make a dangerously close approach in 2029. Apophis was first discovered in 2004 and it was placed at level 4 on the Torino impact hazard scale - 0 means no chance of hitting and 10 means "a collision is certain" and might cause global climatic catastrophe. Since NASA started monitoring potentially hazardous Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), this was the first asteroid to be assigned a rating of four on the scale. NASA describes the rating as, "A close encounter, meriting attention by astronomers." As per current observations, the asteroid will safely pass by Earth, posing no threat in 2029, 2036 and 2068. However, the new study takes into account a slight chance that something hits Apophis while it is en route to our planet. Canadian astronomer Paul Wiegert looked at the odds of a small object colliding with Apophis and setting it on a course towards Earth. Wiegert and co-author Ben Hyatt had earlier ruled out a collision but still found a small chance of a collision with other material. The astronomers tried to study what size object could change the trajectory of Apophis and put it on a route on which it might hit Earth. They also studied other scenarios of an object hitting it which can put the asteroid on an Earth-bound trajectory in the future after 2029. Also Read: Asteroid 20 times bigger than dinosaur killer altered Ganymede's position What they found was that an impactor of around 0.6 metres (2 feet) can push the asteroid into one of the 2029 "keyhole" trajectories. This would set it up for a later collision with our planet. However, an impact in 2029 will happen only if Apophis collides with an object of around 3.4 metres (11.2 feet). How likely is a collision? The likelihood of an asteroid hitting Apophis is extremely low. Even if an impact does happen, the direction would also matter. Wiegert studied the number of objects over 3.4 metres in size in space and says the odds of an asteroid impacting it between now and 2029 are exceptionally low. "The odds of an unseen small asteroid deflecting Apophis enough to direct it into a collision with Earth in 2029 (d ≳ 3.4 m, Δv > 5 × 10−2 m s−1) are approximately 10−8," Wiegert says in the study. "Given that only 5% of such impulses are in the correct direction to generate an Earth impact, the overall probability of a small impact directing Apophis into a collision with the Earth is less than one in 2 billion." However, for a later impact after 2029, he puts the odds at less than one in a million. Despite being good odds, the risk of an impact still exists. How do we know if Apophis has moved? To know if this has happened, Wiegert says we need to wait another three years. "An additional element of the story is that Apophis has been largely unmonitored by telescopes since May 2021 and will remain so through 2027," he explained. This is because "of the relative geometry of Apophis, Earth, and the Sun, which puts the asteroid in the daytime sky for the time span in question."

'God of chaos' asteroid can hit Earth, but only if THIS happens. 'The odds of...'

Asteroids routinely fly by Earth, mostly at a safe distance, but scientists keep a close watch on these cosmic visitors to be prepared in case one of them poses a threat to our planet. One such asteroid is Apophis, which is set to come extremely close in the year 2029. The Eiffel-Tower-sized space rock will fly by at a distance of 32,000 kilometres on April 13, which is a tenth of the distance to the Moon.&nbsp;

Asteroid 99942 Apophis has been categorised as hazardous because of it size and the distance at which it will fly by.&nbsp;Scientists first discovered it in 2004 and for years it was believed to pose a threat to Earth, with some suggesting that it might collide with us one day. However, later studies found that while it will come extremely close to us, it will not strike.

Scientists are now planning to make use of this extremely rare encounter to study the asteroid and to prevent any future collisions. Rapid Apophis Mission for Security and Safety (RAMSES) is one such plan announced by the European Space Agency (ESA). Under it, the agency will send a spacecraft to the asteroid to learn more about its shape, size, mass and rotation through space, along with its composition and structure.

Dr Holger Krag, the head of the ESA’s space safety programme office, says that the flyby is extremely unique as no asteroid is expected to come this close to Earth for thousands of years. At 20,000 miles, you might even be able to see it with the naked eye.&nbsp;

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<h2>What will happen to Apophis?</h2>

Apophis is an Earth-crossing space rock, and it will interact with the planet in some ways. It will come closer than the geostationary satellites that are responsible for television broadcasting, navigation systems and weather forecasting. Dr Krag says that this is when the asteroid will truly begin to interact with Earth. When this happens, something might change in it and through the mission, scientists are hoping to learn more about them.&nbsp;

What will lead to these changes is the "gravity field of the Earth that will basically slightly reshape the asteroid, causing it to change its form,” he said. One of the major events that can happen on the asteroid due to Earth's gravitational pull is landslides, Dr Krag said.

Dr Krag says that they&nbsp;aim to characterise asteroids in such a way that they can deflect them if they ever become dangerous.

A massive asteroid strike is what killed the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, which is why it becomes important to know about the risks beforehand so tangible action can be taken against them.&nbsp;

<h2>Other plans for Apophis</h2>

Jeff Bezos' space company Blue Origins had earlier proposed using the Blue Ring orbital platform to deliver payloads to the asteroid. It is expected to debut by the end of this year.

&nbsp;

Asteroids routinely fly by Earth, mostly at a safe distance, but scientists keep a close watch on these cosmic visitors to be prepared in case one of them poses a threat to our planet.

Asteroids routinely fly by Earth, mostly at a safe distance, but scientists keep a close watch on these cosmic visitors to be prepared in case one of them poses a threat to our planet. One such asteroid is Apophis, which is set to come extremely close in the year 2029. The Eiffel-Tower-sized space rock will fly by at a distance of 32,000 kilometres on April 13, which is a tenth of the distance to the Moon. Asteroid 99942 Apophis has been categorised as hazardous because of it size and the distance at which it will fly by. Scientists first discovered it in 2004 and for years it was believed to pose a threat to Earth, with some suggesting that it might collide with us one day. However, later studies found that while it will come extremely close to us, it will not strike. Scientists are now planning to make use of this extremely rare encounter to study the asteroid and to prevent any future collisions. Rapid Apophis Mission for Security and Safety (RAMSES) is one such plan announced by the European Space Agency (ESA). Under it, the agency will send a spacecraft to the asteroid to learn more about its shape, size, mass and rotation through space, along with its composition and structure. Dr Holger Krag, the head of the ESA’s space safety programme office, says that the flyby is extremely unique as no asteroid is expected to come this close to Earth for thousands of years. At 20,000 miles, you might even be able to see it with the naked eye. Also Read: The ground shook as a fireball soared over the New York sky: Reports What will happen to Apophis? Apophis is an Earth-crossing space rock, and it will interact with the planet in some ways. It will come closer than the geostationary satellites that are responsible for television broadcasting, navigation systems and weather forecasting. Dr Krag says that this is when the asteroid will truly begin to interact with Earth. When this happens, something might change in it and through the mission, scientists are hoping to learn more about them. What will lead to these changes is the "gravity field of the Earth that will basically slightly reshape the asteroid, causing it to change its form,” he said. One of the major events that can happen on the asteroid due to Earth's gravitational pull is landslides, Dr Krag said. Dr Krag says that they aim to characterise asteroids in such a way that they can deflect them if they ever become dangerous. A massive asteroid strike is what killed the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, which is why it becomes important to know about the risks beforehand so tangible action can be taken against them. Other plans for Apophis Jeff Bezos' space company Blue Origins had earlier proposed using the Blue Ring orbital platform to deliver payloads to the asteroid. It is expected to debut by the end of this year.

Landslides on asteroid? Apophis might witness a few when it crosses Earth, experts say

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What will happen to Apophis during its close call with Earth in 2029? A study answers the question

'God of chaos' asteroid can hit Earth, but only if THIS happens. 'The odds of...'

Landslides on asteroid? Apophis might witness a few when it crosses Earth, experts say