Il 13 April 2029 it will be a date to mark on the astronomical calendar. On that day, in fact, the asteroid Apophis will pass just 32.000 kilometers from Earth, a distance ten times less than that which separates our planet from the Moon. This unprecedented proximity offers a unique opportunity for scientists around the world to study a potentially dangerous asteroid up close and test the most advanced space exploration technologies.
Private companies and government agencies are joining forces to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, with the goal of unlocking the mysteries of Apophis and preparing us to face future cosmic challenges.
A (former) threat from the past
Discovered way back in 2004, Apophis is a 335 meter diameter asteroid that immediately attracted the attention of the international scientific community. Initially classified as a potentially dangerous object for Earth, subsequent observations have reassured experts that, at least for the next century, there is no risk of impact with our planet.
However, its notable proximity during the passage of 2029 has raised questions about the effects Earth's gravity might have on Apophis and possible long-term consequences. What's now?
The importance of studying Apophis
Objects the size of Apophis tend to hit Earth about once every 80.000 years, unleashing catastrophic damage on a global scale.
Well, I quoted it for you. Because this fact highlights the crucial importance of deepening our knowledge of these celestial bodies and developing effective strategies to address potential future threats.
The flyby of Apophis represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for scientists to closely examine an asteroid of this size and collect valuable data on its composition, structure and behavior when subjected to Earth's gravitational influence. For this reason, 5 years later, there is excitement among institutions and companies about the best strategies for studying Apophis, but we must hurry.
A race against time
Private companies like Blue Origin ed Exploration Labs (ExLabs) have presented proposals for missions aimed at reaching Apophis before its flyby. The goal is to maximize the time available to study the asteroid and gather as much information as possible before the encounter with Earth.
Among the ideas presented, the concept of using Blue Origin's Blue Ring orbital platform to transport instruments or probes to Apophis stands out, offering low-cost and low-risk missions.
NASA's commitment
NASA is also actively taking part in this scientific challenge. The last workshop on the topic, full of proposals, dates back to last February. The mission OSIRIS-APEX, formerly known as OSIRIS-REx, was reprogrammed to study Apophis after delivering the samples of the asteroid Bennu in the Utah desert. Additionally, the US space agency has a pair of spare probes, originally intended for the Janus mission, which could be repurposed for Apophis exploration.
Although there are some differences between the original Janus targets and Apophis characteristics, these twin probes could still perform a close flyby and conduct similar observations of the approaching asteroid.
Apophis, towards the future
This is just the beginning. Other missions could be announced in the coming months and years, given the scientific importance and rarity of such a close encounter.
The remarkable passage of Apophis in 2029 is a turning point in our understanding of asteroids and the challenges they pose to the safety of our planet. Thanks to the joint efforts of space agencies, private companies and researchers around the world, we are laying the foundation for a future in which we are better prepared to face threats from deep space.
Every new discovery and every step forward in technology brings us closer to a tomorrow in which we can look to the sky with greater awareness and tranquility, knowing that we have the tools and knowledge necessary to protect our fragile and precious planet. And when all else fails, there's always Bruce Willis, right?
