- Feb 5, 2002
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Earthlings can feel some relief for now, as NASA has confirmed our planet is safe from a particularly worrisome asteroid for the next century at least.
NASA
99942 Apophis—which was discovered in 2004—had been identified as one of the most hazardous asteroids that could impact the planet. But results from a new radar observation campaign, combined with precise orbit analysis, have helped astronomers conclude that Apophis won’t hit Earth in 2068—as had been the fear.
Estimated to be about 1,100 feet across, when Apophis—named after the Egyptian god of destruction—made a flyby of Earth in early March, NASA states its scientists took the opportunity to use powerful radar observations to refine the estimate of its orbit around the Sun with extreme precision, enabling them to confidently rule out anyimpact risk in 2068 and long after.
Continued below.
NASA Confirmation: Earth is Safe From Asteroid for 100 Years
NASA
99942 Apophis—which was discovered in 2004—had been identified as one of the most hazardous asteroids that could impact the planet. But results from a new radar observation campaign, combined with precise orbit analysis, have helped astronomers conclude that Apophis won’t hit Earth in 2068—as had been the fear.
Estimated to be about 1,100 feet across, when Apophis—named after the Egyptian god of destruction—made a flyby of Earth in early March, NASA states its scientists took the opportunity to use powerful radar observations to refine the estimate of its orbit around the Sun with extreme precision, enabling them to confidently rule out anyimpact risk in 2068 and long after.
Continued below.
NASA Confirmation: Earth is Safe From Asteroid for 100 Years
