Asteroid Apophis Could Strike the Earth If It Collides With Smaller Space Rocks 2144i Study

New research suggests that small asteroid collisions could potentially alter Apophis’s trajectory, raising concerns about future risks. c3gk

Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 19 September 2024 09:30 IST

Asteroid Apophis Could Strike the Earth If It Collides With Smaller Space Rocks: Study

Photo Credit: Pixabay/Asteroid Meteorite 3d3z2d

An illustration shows the God of Destruction asteroid Apophis approaching Earth.

Highlights

Small asteroids might deflect Apophis’s path to Earth
Future collisions with Apophis remain unlikely but possible
NASA’s DART could be key in redirecting Apophis if needed

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Earth will have a close encounter with the asteroid asteroids could potentially alter Apophis's trajectory, raising concerns about future encounters.

Research on Apophis's Trajectory 2b6b2i

Paul Wiegert, an astronomer at the University of Western Ontario, has investigated the impact of smaller space rocks on Apophis's path. Wiegert told Space.com, while the chances of such collisions occurring are minimal, there remains a slight risk.

He calculates that the probability of an asteroid deflecting Apophis enough to pose a threat after 2029 is about one in one million, as per the report. The likelihood of an asteroid striking Apophis and causing a direct impact with Earth in 2029 is even lower, approximately one in two billion.

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Potential Impact and Future Monitoring 3k696r

Apophis, which was first discovered in 2004, has been closely monitored due to its potential hazard. Initial assessments placed it high on risk lists, but a close flyby in March 2021 reassured scientists that a collision with Earth is not expected for at least 100 years. However, the recent study highlights that random impacts from smaller asteroids could still pose a future risk.

The asteroid's possible collision with Earth could have catastrophic consequences. If Apophis were to impact a densely populated area, it could unleash energy equivalent to more than 1,000 megatons of TNT, causing widespread devastation. Fortunately, with current technology and potential future interventions, such as NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), scientists hope to have strategies to deflect or mitigate the threat of Apophis.

Future Prospects 5b4r21

While Apophis's imminent in 2029 is not expected to result in a collision, it presents a valuable opportunity for scientific study and preparedness. As the astronomical community continues to explore ways to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts, the close approach of Apophis serves as a crucial test of our readiness to handle such threats.

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