New observations point to a possible impact of the asteroid Apophis with Earth in 2068



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The size of the asteroid, about 300 meters in diameter, will also approach Earth on Friday, April 13, 2029, but no impact is expected by then.

A study by the University of Hawai’i revealed new data relating to the possible impact of a large asteroid that it will pass close to Earth in 2068. The results were announced by astronomer Dave Tholen and his collaborators, who detected a Yarkovsky-like acceleration in the asteroid Apophis, an effect that alters the orbits of small celestial bodies by the way they absorb radiation from the Sun.

As the University explains through a statement, all asteroids must re-radiate the energy they absorb from sunlight in the form of heat to maintain thermal balance, the process of which slightly change the orbit of the object.

Although the Apophis, the diameter of which is around 300 meters, will approach our planet on Friday 13 April 2029, Tholen explains that at that moment “an impact with the Earth is not possible”.

However, the expert noted that the new observations “were good enough” to reveal Yarkovsky’s acceleration on the asteroid, providing conclusive evidence to “stay in the game.” the impact scenario in 2068. “

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