Scientists recalculate asteroid Apophis is accelerating, could hit Earth in 2068- Technology News, Firstpost

FP trend12 November 2020 10:00:47

Near-Earth asteroid Apophis rose to prominence after its discovery in 2004, as initial calculations of its orbit indicated there was a 2.7% chance it would collide with Earth during a close flyby in 2029. Although advanced calculations ruled out the impact scenario, it now appears that Apophis may collide with our world in the year 2068.

A team of scientists from the University of Hawaii in Manoa, USA, conducted a new study in which they took into account a phenomenon left out previously to calculate the chances of asteroid Apophis colliding with the Earth. The reassessment showed that there is a small chance of impact which stands at around 1 in 1.50,000.

Considering the Yarkovsky acceleration, scientists believe there is a one in 1.50,000 chance that the asteroid Apophis will hit the earth. Image credit: Pixabay

The probability arises because of the Yarkovsky acceleration, which is a slight continuous push from sunlight. This happens under certain circumstances when the sun heats an asteroid unevenly, thus causing asymmetrical radiation of thermal energy from space rock. This in turn leads to slight changes in an asteroid’s orbit.

Since the effect of Yarkovsky’s acceleration on Apophis had not been calculated before, the scientists did not consider the change in orbit that the massive asteroid will face.

The recent study shows that the asteroid is receding from its previously predicted orbit by around 557 feet per year. In a press conference, lead author David Tholen said, “The 2068 impact scenario is still in play” and said that a possibility of impact cannot be ruled out right now.

Asteroid 99942 Apophis is over 1,000 feet in size, which is equivalent to three football fields, and is expected to pass within 31,900 kilometers of Earth’s surface on April 13, 2029. It is unusual for an asteroid of this size to pass this close. to our planet.

Live up to its sensational status, Apophis named after a demon snake that personified evil and chaos in ancient Egyptian mythology. He is thought to be the enemy of the sun god Ra.