Apophis
When Apophis was discovered in 2004, it appeared the asteroid could potentially impact Earth in the coming decades. Astronomers closely tracked the asteroid, and now NASA is confident that there is no risk of Apophis impacting our planet for at least 100 years.
Asteroid Apophis Facts
Asteroid Apophis will safely pass close to Earth on April 13, 2029.
Near-Earth asteroid Apophis is a potentially hazardous asteroid that will safely pass close to Earth on April 13, 2029. It will come about 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometers) from our planet’s surface — closer than the distance of many satellites in geosynchronous orbit (about 22,236 miles, or 36,000 kilometers, in altitude).
Get the FactsExploring Asteroid Apophis
Apophis was discovered in 2004.
Apophis was discovered on June 19, 2004, by astronomers Roy Tucker, David Tholen, and Fabrizio Bernardi at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Tucson, Arizona. NASA has redirected a spacecraft to study Apophis as it makes it closest approach to Earth in April 2029. Apophis will also be closely observed by Earth-based telescopes.
Exploring Apophis
