A large asteroid known as 99942 Apophis is expected to pass exceptionally close to Earth on April 13, 2029, in what scientists describe as a rare and highly visible event. The asteroid will come within about 20,000 miles (32,000 km) of Earth, closer than many satellites in orbit, making it one of the closest approaches ever recorded for an object of its size.
The asteroid, nicknamed the “god of chaos,” was first discovered in 2004 and was initially considered a potential impact risk. However, after years of observation, NASA has confirmed there is no threat of a collision with Earth for at least the next century.
Measuring more than 1,100 feet (335 meters) in diameter, Apophis will be visible to the naked eye in parts of the Eastern Hemisphere, weather permitting. The flyby will also give scientists a rare opportunity to study the asteroid up close, with space agencies planning missions to observe it in detail.
The event highlights both the progress and the limitations of asteroid tracking, as researchers continue working to identify and monitor potentially hazardous objects in Earth’s orbit. Intrigued? Click through this gallery to discover some of the close calls from the last 20 years.