Scientists cannot rule out the giant asteroid Apophis impacting Earth in 2068

In a year of so many catastrophes and stresses, it’s no wonder so many people have become fixated on asteroids and could hit Earth. This concern projects into the future as we look to the acceptance of the massive asteroid Apophis in our neighborhood.

Apophis will be making a number of visits over the next few decades, but that is it led to some breathless titles a close approach is currently expected in 2068. The asteroid is estimated to be over 1,000 feet (300 meters) in size. It’s like having the Eiffel Tower flying through space.

Researchers from the University of Hawaii’s Institute of Astronomy (IfA) have announced the detection of a phenomenon called Yarkovsky acceleration on the asteroid. “This acceleration comes from an extremely weak force on an object due to uneven thermal radiation,” the university said in a statement in late October. This is essentially a slight push due to the effects of sunlight, but it can change the path of an asteroid over time.

Previously, scientists did not think that a 2068 impact scenario with Earth could occur. The new observations “show that the asteroid is moving away from a purely gravitational orbit of about 170 meters per year, which is enough to keep the 2068 impact scenario in play,” said astronomer IfA Dave. Tholen.

Apophis was first identified in 2004, and scientists have been revising what we know about its path as more data is collected. In In 2013, researchers determined it wouldn’t hit us in 2036.

An impact for 2029 had also previously been ruled out. Apophis will close on Friday 13 April 2029 and should be visible from Earth to the naked eye. That visit should help astronomers compose the future trajectory of the asteroid.

Meanwhile, scientists are working on ways to deal with potentially dangerous asteroids. NASA’s DART mission, for example, will demonstrate a method that involves crashing a spacecraft into an asteroid’s moon to propel it. If it works, the concept could be used to push menacing asteroids onto safer paths.

Uncertainty about Apophis is a little creepy, but you shouldn’t write the latest times on your calendar yet. “Astronomers will know well before 2068 if there is any possibility of an impact,” the University of Hawaii said. Stand still. Scientists are keeping an eye on it.