Desk:Space continues to be a vast mystery for scientists, with countless planets and asteroids beyond Earth. Recently, scientists have issued a warning regarding the asteroid Apophis, which is speeding toward Earth. They predict that when Apophis nears our planet, gravitational forces could cause a cosmic quake, releasing energy equivalent to multiple nuclear explosions. Scientists have been studying this asteroid for the past 20 years, with Apophis expected to make a close approach on April 13, 2029. Due to its potential impact, it has been nicknamed “The God of Destruction” or “The Space Killer.”
First discovered in 2004, Apophis has been closely monitored by astronomers ever since. Scientists at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, led by researcher Ronald-Louis Ballouz, estimate a 2.7 percent chance of Apophis colliding with Earth during its 2029 approach.
Predictions by Scientists
Scientists believe that when Apophis comes close to Earth in 2029, gravitational forces could trigger seismic activity within the asteroid itself, termed as a “cosmic quake.” A cosmic quake is similar to an earthquake but occurs within space bodies and can interact with Earth’s magnetic field. The asteroid is expected to pass as close as 19,000 miles to Earth, a distance where gravitational forces could significantly affect it.
Potential for Massive Destruction
On April 13, 2029, Apophis is projected to pass near Earth. Dubbed the “Space Killer,” the asteroid is massive, with a length of 1,230 feet, comparable to the 102-story Empire State Building in New York. If it were to collide with Earth, scientists predict an impact releasing energy on the scale of several nuclear bombs, with the potential to devastate hundreds of miles around the impact zone.