NASA Launches Spacecraft To Intercept Approaching 'God of Chaos' Asteroid In Earth's Orbit
On April 13, 2029, the asteroid Apophis, also referred to as the "God of Chaos," is predicted to pass close to Earth, at a distance of only 20,000 miles.
NASA has launched a mission to catch the menacing "God of Chaos" asteroid speeding towards Earth's orbit in an audacious attempt to prevent a possible disaster.
NASA launched the state-of-the-art spacecraft to intercept and investigate the celestial intruder known as Apophis due to the imminent threat of a catastrophic collision.
The asteroid, named after the chaos deity of ancient Egypt, is a serious threat to Earth, and NASA is taking strategic action to protect it from a possible cosmic disaster.
What Has NASA Found?
Credit: Instagram
NASA recently initiated the mission to intercept the "God of Chaos," a near-Earth asteroid.
Following the spacecraft's return from deep space, the US space agency deployed OSIRIS-APEX for this mission.
In 2029, the asteroid Apophis, also known as the God of Chaos, will pass through Earth's orbit at a distance of just 20,000 miles.
Because of its close vicinity, Apophis might potentially become visible in the Northern Hemisphere.
When Will It Come Near Earth?
Credit: YouTube
At an asteroid width of 1,000 feet, Apophis is named after an ancient Egyptian divinity.
On April 13, 2029, it is scheduled to pass near Earth. It was initially found in 2004.
To observe any changes, OSIRIS will intercept any changes brought about by the asteroid's approach to Earth during that time.
Scientists estimate that an asteroid of this kind orbits Earth once every 7,500 years.
When experts realised there would be no impact at all, they revised their previous estimate of a 3% likelihood of a collision.
It is anticipated that Apophis will travel back in 2036.
The asteroid's orbit and day length will change due to its close collision with Earth.
On Apophis, it might also result in landslides and earthquakes.
Where Can You Watch The Video?
The caption of the video posted on Youtube by JPLraw says, "This animation depicts the orbital trajectory of asteroid 99942 Apophis as it zooms safely past Earth on April 13, 2029. Earth¡¯s gravity will slightly deflect the trajectory as the 1,100-foot-wide (340-metre-wide) near-Earth object comes within 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometres) of our planet¡¯s surface. The motion has been speeded up 2,000 times."
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Apophis Mission By NASA
Credit: YouTube
OSIRIS is being repurposed for a new mission following a seven-year mission in deep space to gather samples from the Bennu asteroid in September.
Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security: Apophis Explorer is the new moniker for the spacecraft, replacing OSIRIS-REx.
Scientists can examine what's below when OSIRIS-APEX uses its engines to propel the spacecraft within 16 feet of the asteroid's surface and agitate rock and dust.
What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments.
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