An asteroid named Apophis, after the Egyptian god of destruction, will fly closer to Earth in 2029 than many satellites. The asteroid, roughly 340 meters across, is set to pass within 32,000 kilometers of Earth on April 13, making it visible to the naked eye.

When first discovered in 2004, Apophis raised concerns due to initial collision estimates of 2.7%. Its potential impact earned it the highest-ever rating on the Torino scale, a system used to evaluate asteroid threats. Further calculations and radar observations have since ruled out any chance of an Earth collision for at least 100 years.

Scientists expect Earth’s gravitational pull to cause noticeable changes to Apophis’ surface and rotation during its flyby. Researchers predict tremors and landslides could reshape parts of the asteroid, providing valuable insight into the effects of close planetary encounters.

NASA plans to study these changes through its OSIRIS-APEX mission. Building on the success of the OSIRIS-REx mission, which collected samples from asteroid Bennu, OSIRIS-APEX will observe Apophis and stir up material from its surface for analysis.

Other international efforts, such as the German “NEAlight” initiative, are also preparing for the flyby. These missions aim to collect data that could inform planetary defense strategies and improve understanding of asteroid dynamics.

The asteroid’s close pass presents a unique scientific opportunity, with researchers eager to examine the effects of Earth’s gravity on Apophis. It also offers a rare spectacle for stargazers, as the asteroid will be bright enough to see without a telescope.

This near-miss serves as a reminder of the importance of tracking asteroids and preparing for potential future threats.