The idea of a massive asteroid colliding with Earth may seem like a plot out of a blockbuster science fiction movie, but it could become a reality in just 48 years.
Researchers from the University of Hawaii have warned that an asteroid called “God of Chaos” could collide with Earth in 2068, according to what was published by the British newspaper “Daily Mirror”.
The asteroid, officially called “Apophis”, is estimated to be 340 meters in diameter. This means that the space rock can be larger than the Eiffel Tower! The researchers noted in the study that Apophis is accelerating due to “irregular thermal radiation.”
All asteroids get energy from sunlight as heat, in order to keep the temperature constant, and in the process, this causes a slight change in the asteroid’s orbit.
The way Apophis does this indicates its ability to accelerate enough to collide with Earth in 2068, yet this would not be the first time an asteroid has been dangerously close to our planet.
On April 13, 2029, Apophis will be so close to Earth that it can be seen with the naked eye, and said “Dave Thulin” who led the study: “We have known for some time that the impact on Earth is not possible during the approach of 2029.
“ New observations we got with the Subaru telescope earlier this year were good enough to detect Yarkovsky acceleration of Apophis, and showed that the asteroid drifts away from a purely gravitational orbit at about 170 meters per year, which is enough to keep the 2068 impact scenario in action. “.
During 2029, NASA will closely monitor Apophis, “Marina Brozovic, a radar scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory,” said: “The approach of Apophis” in 2029 will be a wonderful opportunity for science.
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