90% of Humanity May See Once-in-a-Millennium Asteroid Fly By in 2029

What astronomers are calling a "once-in-a-millennium" skywatching event is quickly approaching. Read on for more about the event that you need to mark on your calendar.

What to Know About the Much-Anticipated 2029 Asteroid Flyby

Up to 90% of the world may be able to view a giant asteroid hurtling past the planet in 2029. The asteroid Apophis will approach Earth at a distance that is closer than some satellites. Known by some as the "God of Chaos," the approach of this asteroid will also mark the first time that humans have had the tools to predict the flyby of an asteroid that can be seen without the use of special equipment.

Scientists announced the details of the anticipated flyby at the Apophis T-3 Years workshop held at the University of Padua in Italy last month. According to Richard Binzel, an asteroid expert at MIT, "Sighting Apophis as it passes by is a way of feeling a shared cosmic experience, realizing the smallness of Earth in the vastness of space."

The peanut-shaped asteroid measures about 1,500 feet across at its widest point, equaling the height of the Empire State Building. Astronomers believe that Apophis originated from the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. However, it now lives between the orbits of Earth and Venus.

Apophis will make its close flyby of Earth on April 13, 2029. According to The Planetary Society, the asteroid will reach a distance of just 19,000 miles from Earth. While this is significantly farther than the International Space Station, it is still closer than hundreds of satellites that hover around Earth.

Scientists say that there is no chance that Apophis will make contact with Earth during this flyby. However, some astronomers believe that there is still a small chance that its trajectory could change before approaching Earth. As such, scientists are continuing to monitor its path, particularly as it may change after passing so close to the planet.

Unfortunately for those of us in North America, this is the only continent that will not get a clear view of the asteroid as it whizzes by.  This is due to the timing of the flyby happening during peak daylight hours. Apophis will appear as a bright star passing slowly across the sky. The asteroid will be in view of those on Earth for a period of about seven hours. 

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