Scientists have been aware of an asteroid named Apophis for nearly 20 years, knowing that it will pass close to Earth on Friday, April 13, 2029. Initially, there were concerns about a potential impact, but further observations ruled out any danger to Earth for at least the next 100 years. This has shifted the focus from viewing Apophis as a threat to an opportunity for scientific exploration.
Richard Binzel, a professor of planetary science at MIT, emphasized the importance of studying Apophis as it will pass closer to Earth than the orbits of geostationary satellites. This presents a rare chance to gain insight into the interior of a large asteroid, which only occurs once every 1,000 years or less frequently.
In response to this opportunity, the European Space Agency (ESA) has proposed the RAMSES mission to rendezvous with Apophis in early 2029. The mission aims to collect imagery and scientific data before, during, and after the asteroid’s closest approach to Earth. By repurposing the design of the Hera spacecraft, ESA plans to launch RAMSES in 2028, demonstrating the ability to quickly respond to potential asteroid threats in the future.
NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX mission will also explore Apophis, providing detailed observations after the Earth encounter. Scientists are urging NASA to consider using mothballed Janus probes for a mission to Apophis before the 2029 encounter. Despite budget constraints, there is a push for continued exploration of asteroids to enhance our understanding of these celestial objects.
The scientific community sees the Apophis mission as an opportunity to showcase international collaboration and advance our knowledge of hazardous asteroids. By observing Apophis up close, researchers hope to gather valuable data that could be crucial for humanity’s future. As the countdown to April 13, 2029, begins, efforts are underway to ensure that we are prepared to study and learn from this extraordinary celestial event.
