Everything you need to know about Asteroid Apophis and it's 2029 Close Approach to Earth - Evidence-First Asteroid News Without Sensationalism or Hype
Written by: Astrophyzix Digital Observatory — Latest PHA Asteroid News
Introduction
This FAQ uses verified scientific data from NASA, JPL, ESA, and peer‑reviewed research. It is designed to cut through misinformation and explain the 2029 Apophis flyby using real orbital mechanics, radar measurements, and planetary defence standards.
Planetary Defence is a serious subject, it should be reported responsibly and with clarity. Never trust click-bait titles or sensational headlines you see online. Always consult official data from credible, trusted sources. Below are common questions people ask, answered with integrity.
What is Apophis?
Asteroid (99942) Apophis is a near‑Earth asteroid discovered on 19 June 2004. It is an Aten‑class asteroid, meaning its orbit is smaller than Earth’s but crosses Earth’s orbital path. Apophis is classified as an S‑type stony asteroid with a diameter of roughly 340–370 metres. Radar imaging from NASA’s Goldstone facility shows Apophis has a bi‑lobed “peanut” shape, similar to other rubble‑pile asteroids.
- Full scientific data analysis by Astrophyzix can be found here https://www.astrophyzix.com/2026/04/apophis-2029-approach-offical-data.html
- You can use the Astrophyzix Asteroid Lookup tool to view the live NASA data profile of Apophis.
- See live detailed data, orbital dynamics, flyby countdown and comprehensive data sets using the Astrophyzix Live Apophis Tracker
Is Apophis going to hit Earth in 2029?
No. Ignore all of the click-bait and sensational headlines. There is no impact Risk in 2029.
NASA’s orbital solutions, refined with radar data from 2020–2021, eliminated all impact trajectories for 2029, 2036, 2068, and the next 100 years. Apophis is now rated Torino Scale 0 and Condition Code 0, meaning its orbit is extremely well known. If NASA had even the slightest doubts the condition code would be higher than zero, and it isn't.
How close will Apophis come to Earth in 2029?
On 13 April 2029, Apophis will pass about 32,000 km above Earth’s surface — closer than geostationary satellites. This is roughly:
- 1/10th the distance to the Moon
- Closer than many communication satellites
- Visible to the naked eye from parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia
Why was Apophis once considered dangerous?
In 2004, astronomers had only a short observation arc. With limited data, the uncertainty region for Apophis’s orbit was large, and some early solutions intersected Earth. As more data arrived, especially radar ranging, the uncertainty collapsed and all impact scenarios were ruled out.
What does “Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA)” mean?
PHA is a classification, not a prediction. An asteroid is labelled PHA if:
- It is larger than ~140 m
- Its orbit comes within 0.05 AU of Earth’s orbit
Apophis meets these criteria, but current data shows no impact risk.
What is Apophis made of?
Apophis is an S‑type asteroid, composed of silicate rock and metal. Its composition is similar to LL chondrite meteorites. Key physical properties:
- Diameter: ~340–370 m
- Shape: elongated, bi‑lobed
- Rotation period: ~30.5 hours
- Albedo: ~0.3
- Density: consistent with a fractured rubble‑pile structure
Will Earth’s gravity affect Apophis during the flyby?
Yes — but not in a dangerous way. Earth’s gravity will cause:
- Tidal stress on Apophis’s surface
- Minor orbital changes (expected and modelled)
- Possible movement of surface dust and boulders
There is no risk of breakup or fragmentation.
Will Apophis pose a threat after 2029?
NASA’s simulations show no impact risk for at least the next century. The 2029 flyby will slightly alter Apophis’s orbit, but the change has been modelled and does not create any future hazard.
How often do asteroids this size come this close?
A 300–400 m asteroid passing this close to Earth is extremely rare — roughly once every few thousand years. The 2029 encounter is a once‑in‑history scientific opportunity.
What will scientists do during the 2029 flyby?
The flyby is a major international science event. Planned activities include:
- High‑resolution radar imaging
- Optical and infrared observations
- Precise orbit tracking before and after the flyby
- Surface and regolith studies
- NASA’s OSIRIS‑APEX spacecraft rendezvous
Could Apophis be used for mining or exploration?
Apophis is scientifically valuable, but not a practical mining target. Reasons:
- Its composition (S‑type) is not rich in easily extractable metals
- Its orbit is not energy‑efficient for resource extraction missions
- Planetary defence science is the priority
However, the 2029 flyby will provide data useful for future asteroid resource missions.
Could Apophis be deflected if it ever became a threat?
Yes — and Apophis is a perfect example of why early detection matters. If an asteroid is tracked decades in advance, small deflection missions (kinetic impactors, gravity tractors, etc.) are highly effective. NASA’s DART mission proved kinetic impact deflection works on rubble‑pile asteroids.
Apophis is not a threat, but it is an ideal test case for future planetary defence strategies.
Why do some media still hype Apophis?
Because:
- Old 2004–2005 impact estimates still circulate
- The name “Apophis” is dramatic
- “Asteroid near miss” headlines attract attention
- Not all outlets update their reporting
Astrophyzix uses only verified scientific data and updates our interpretation when the science updates.
Quick Facts Summary
- Name: (99942) Apophis
- Type: S‑type near‑Earth asteroid
- Size: ~340–370 m
- Closest 2029 approach: ~32,000 km
- Impact risk: None for at least 100 years
- Scientific value: Exceptional close‑approach laboratory
Bottom line: Apophis will not hit Earth. The 2029 flyby is a safe, historic scientific opportunity that will advance our understanding of asteroid physics and planetary defence.
Sources and Further Reading
- NASA CNEOS – Apophis:
https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/ca/apophis.html - NASA Sentry Risk Table:
https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/sentry/ - JPL Small‑Body Database – Apophis:
https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/tools/sbdb_lookup.html#/?sstr=99942 - NASA Planetary Defense Coordination Office:
https://www.nasa.gov/planetarydefense - ESA Planetary Defence:
https://www.esa.int/Safety_Security/Planetary_Defence