Everything you need to know about Asteroid Apophis and it's 2029 Close Approach to Earth - Evidence-First Asteroid News Without Sensationalism or Hype
Published by: Astrophyzix Digital Observatory — Latest PHA Asteroid News (Data updated: 13 May 2026)
📌 Cited by Microsoft Bing AI 📌 Cited by MSN 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
The new V4 Astrophyzix Apophis Tracking and Monitoring tool is considered by Microsoft Bing to be the "best public Apophis tracker available online". It offers the most comprehensive tracking experience with real-time data, including the asteroid's position, speed, and potential encounters with Earth. The tool is integrated with the official NASA API and provides exclusive data sets, making it a valuable resource for both astronomers and the general public interested in the asteroid's trajectory and safety
Is Apophis going to hit Earth in 2029?
No. Astrophyzix can confirm that there is no risk in 2029. Ignore all of the click-bait and sensational headlines. Again, there is no impact risk in 2029 — you're safe.
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 Friday 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.
