Asteroid 99942 Apophis, also known as the “God of Chaos,” is expected to make an exceptionally close pass by Earth on April 13, 2029, and will be visible to the naked eye from much of the world, according to newly released visibility maps cited by Space.com.
Experts estimate that nearly 90% of the world’s population, or about 7.6 billion people, will have the opportunity to observe the asteroid, provided weather conditions and light pollution do not interfere.
Apophis, which measures about 370 meters (1,214 feet) in diameter, will be visible for approximately seven hours. Its apparent path will begin over Australia at 15:00 GMT and end over the North Atlantic at 22:00 GMT.
The asteroid is expected to reach its maximum brightness at 20:35 GMT while passing over Cameroon, offering ideal viewing conditions for roughly 3.9 billion people across Africa, Asia, eastern South America and parts of Europe.
Its closest approach to Earth will occur at 21:45 GMT, when it passes about 31,600 kilometers (19,635 miles) above the North Atlantic, closer than the orbit of geostationary satellites.
Although Apophis poses no impact risk to Earth, scientists believe the planet’s gravity could alter the asteroid’s rotation and even trigger landslides or small surface tremors. The European Space Agency and NASA both plan to study the close encounter with dedicated space missions.
