Overview
- Apophis, which NASA says will pass about 20,000 miles from Earth on April 13, 2029, marks the closest pre‑tracked flyby by an asteroid of this size.
- NASA says the asteroid poses no impact risk for at least 100 years despite its “potentially hazardous” classification, a label based on size and close approaches rather than imminent danger.
- Scientists expect Earth's gravity to tug on Apophis in ways that can slightly enlarge its orbit, change its rotation, and possibly shift loose material on its surface.
- Space agencies plan extensive observations of the encounter, with some outlets reporting plans to shadow the asteroid with spacecraft, a prospect not fully confirmed in the coverage.
- The roughly 375‑meter object was discovered in 2004 and once carried small impact odds before radar updates in 2021 ruled out a collision for the foreseeable future.