Giant Asteroid 'Apophis' to Fly Closer to Earth Than Many Satellites in 2029

According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Thursday, April 16, 2026, the asteroid is projected to fly past our planet on April 13, 2029. Despite its ominous name—derived from the ancient Egyptian deity of destruction—NASA has confirmed that there is no risk of impact during this encounter.

NASA’s data reveals that Apophis will pass within just 20,000 miles of the Earth's surface. Remarkably, this distance is closer than many man-made satellites, some of which orbit at an altitude of 22,000 miles. While scientists initially classified Apophis as a "potentially hazardous asteroid" upon its discovery, decades of rigorous monitoring have allowed experts to rule out any collision risk for at least the next 100 years.

Researchers view this upcoming flyby as an "extraordinary and unprecedented opportunity" for space science. The proximity will allow for deep-dive studies into the composition of asteroids and the behavior of near-Earth objects. NASA has noted that if weather conditions are favorable, residents in the Eastern Hemisphere may be able to view the asteroid with the naked eye, without the need for a telescope.

Advanced observatories across the globe, including those in NATO member states and international space agencies, have already begun logistical preparations for the 2029 event. This close encounter is expected to provide critical data that could help refine planetary defense strategies, ensuring that humanity is better prepared for any future cosmic threats.