'God of Chaos' Asteroid to Pass Earth in Under Three Years, Visible to 90% of Planet

In less than three years, one of the century's most spectacular astronomical events will be visible to nearly everyone on Earth. On April 13, 2029, the asteroid Apophis, dubbed the 'God of Chaos,' will make an exceptionally close pass by our planet. Scientists predict that approximately 90% of the global population, or up to 7.6 billion people, will be able to observe it with the naked eye.

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In less than three years, one of the most spectacular astronomical events of the century will be observable with the naked eye by almost the entire human race.

Apophis, officially designated 99942 Apophis, measures about 450 meters at its widest point, comparable to the height of the Empire State Building. Its immense size means a direct impact could devastate an entire city. Originating from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, it now orbits the sun between Venus and Earth every 10.5 months. Its name derives from Apep, the Egyptian serpent god of darkness and disorder, hence its ominous nickname.

During its 2029 flyby, the asteroid will come within approximately 30,600 kilometers of Earth. While this is far beyond the International Space Station's orbit, it is closer than some high-altitude satellites. These satellites, however, pose no threat as they can be maneuvered out of Apophis's path. Crucially, scientists confirm there is zero chance of Apophis hitting Earth during this pass or within the next century.

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It is sufficient to say that if it ever hit Earth, it could destroy an entire city.

This close encounter presents a significant scientific opportunity. Researchers anticipate the gravitational pull and proximity could alter Apophis's trajectory or even its structure. To study these potential changes, telescopes worldwide will coordinate observations, and NASA's OSIRIS-APEX probe, among others, will attempt close flybys to analyze its composition and motion. The event's importance is underscored by the United Nations declaring 2029 the 'International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defense.'

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In this moment, the chances of Apophis hitting Earth during this pass – or in the next 100 years – are zero.

Beyond its scientific value, Apophis's passage holds a profound human dimension. Planetary science researcher Richard Binzel of MIT described it as a shared cosmic experience, highlighting Earth's smallness in the vastness of space. He hopes the event will inspire a new generation of scientists, stating, 'I hope people find the passage of Apophis fascinating, because it is not scary at all.'

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Seeing Apophis pass by means living a shared cosmic experience, realizing how small Earth is in the immensity of space.