RESEARCH: ASK ABOUT APOPHIS
Asteroid 99942 Apophis is a near-Earth object (NEO) estimated to be about 1,100 feet (335 meters) across. It was discovered on June 19, 2004, by R. A. Tucker, D. J. Tholen and F. Bernardi at Kitt Peak Observatory, Arizona, USA.
When Apophis was discovered in 2004, it was identified as having the potential to impact Earth in 2029. However, after additional observations, its orbital trajectory was refined. We now know that Apophis will come close to Earth, but it will not impact. (How close? Within 40,000 km!)
Further observations with optical and radar telescopes allowed the scientific community to conclude that there is no risk of Apophis impacting our planet for at least one century.
Ask about Apophis is a multilingual engagement platform designer to provide answers directly from scientists and researchers in the planetary sciences community. Our volunteers span from here at the Florida Space Institute to places all across the globe.