CAPE CANAVERAL, KOMPAS.com – NASA stated that the Earth will be safe from the dangers of asteroids that threaten humans for the next century.
The space agency also announced this week that the latest telescope observations have ruled out the possibility of Apophis hitting Earth in 2068.
Apophis is a space rock as large as 1,100 feet (340 meters) the equivalent of 3.5 times a football field. This celestial body is believed to be moving closer to Earth in 2029 and again in 2036.
NASA confirmed that there was no possibility of a collision in the two celestial events in the adjacent position some time ago.
But the potential for a 2068 collision is still unclear.
Also read: After 2021, this 3 ball field asteroid will head to Earth again in 2052
First detected in 2004, Apophis is now officially off NASA’s asteroid “risk list”.
“A collision in 2068 is definitely unlikely, and our calculations do not indicate a risk of impact for at least the next 100 years,” said Davide Farnocchia of NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, in a statement on Friday (26/3/2021). AP.
Scientists were able to reconfirm Apophis’ orbit around the sun thanks to radar observations earlier this month. Precisely when the asteroid passed within 10.6 million miles (17 million kilometers).
Also read: Asteroids As Big As 3 Football Fields Reach The Closest Distance To Earth, There Is Potential Danger
Apophis will come within 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometers) of Earth on April 13, 2029, allowing astronomers to get a good look.
“When I started working with asteroids after college, Apophis was classified as one of the most dangerous asteroid candidates (for Earth),” said Farnocchia.
“There is a certain sense of satisfaction seeing him removed from the risk register.”
Also read: Asteroid Size More Than Three Football Fields Approaching Earth
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