Apophis

Definition

Apophis is a near-Earth asteroid that was briefly considered a potential threat to Earth due to the possibility of an impact in 2029 or 2036. It is named after the ancient Egyptian deity Apep, the serpent god of chaos and destruction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Apophis is approximately 1,100 feet (340 meters) in diameter, making it a relatively large near-Earth asteroid.
2. In 2004, initial calculations suggested there was a small chance (around 2.7%) that Apophis could collide with Earth in 2029, but further observations ruled out this possibility.
3. The 2029 close approach of Apophis will be the closest ever observed for an asteroid of this size, passing within about 19,000 miles (31,000 km) of Earth's surface.
4. Although the 2029 and 2036 impact scenarios have been ruled out, Apophis will continue to be closely monitored as it represents a potential long-term threat to Earth.
5. Apophis' orbit is well understood, and it is not expected to pose a significant threat to Earth for at least the next 100 years.

Review Questions

• Describe the significance of Apophis in the context of our planetary system.
  • Apophis is a notable near-Earth asteroid that was briefly considered a potential threat to Earth due to the possibility of an impact in 2029 or 2036. While these impact scenarios have been ruled out, Apophis remains an important object for planetary defense efforts as it represents a long-term threat that will continue to be closely monitored. The close approach of Apophis in 2029 will provide a unique opportunity for scientists to study a large near-Earth asteroid and improve our understanding of these objects and their potential impact on our planetary system.
• Explain the role of asteroid deflection and planetary defense in the context of Apophis.
  • The potential threat posed by Apophis has highlighted the importance of developing effective asteroid deflection and planetary defense strategies. If an asteroid like Apophis were on a collision course with Earth, the ability to alter its trajectory would be crucial to preventing a catastrophic impact. Planetary defense efforts, which involve the detection, tracking, and monitoring of near-Earth objects, are essential for identifying potential threats and providing the necessary data to plan and execute any necessary deflection or mitigation measures. The close approach of Apophis in 2029 will be a valuable opportunity to test and refine these planetary defense capabilities.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Apophis and similar near-Earth asteroids for the future of our planetary system.
  • The existence of near-Earth asteroids like Apophis serves as a reminder of the potential threats posed by these objects to our planetary system. While the immediate threat from Apophis has been largely ruled out, the long-term implications of these near-Earth asteroids are significant. Continued monitoring and research are crucial to better understand the dynamics and composition of these objects, as well as to develop more effective strategies for deflecting or mitigating any future threats. The lessons learned from the Apophis case can help inform and shape the ongoing efforts in planetary defense, ensuring that we are better prepared to protect our planet from the potentially devastating consequences of a catastrophic asteroid impact in the future.

Related terms

Near-Earth Asteroid: A near-Earth asteroid (NEA) is an asteroid with an orbit that brings it into close proximity with Earth, defined as within 1.3 astronomical units (AU) of the Sun.

Asteroid Deflection: Asteroid deflection is the proposed method of changing the path of an asteroid to prevent a potential impact with Earth.

Planetary Defense: Planetary defense refers to the global effort to detect and track near-Earth objects (NEOs) that could pose a threat to Earth, and to develop strategies to mitigate the potential impact.