Asteroid (1999 AO10): Its February 2026 Close Approach - Scientific Overview

MONITORING ACTIVE

Astrophyzix Asteroid Close Approach Series 

Written by: Astrophyzix Science Communication 

Article Type: News, Explainer, Evidence Check

Information Updated: 10 February 2026

Introduction to Asteroid 1999 AO10

Asteroid 1999 AO10 is a near-Earth object that was first observed on 13 January 1999 by the LINEAR survey at Lincoln Laboratory’s Experimental Test Site in New Mexico, USA. It belongs to the Aten class of asteroids, a group defined by orbits that bring them inside Earth’s orbital radius around the Sun. 

Asteroid (99942 Apophis): From Impact Scare to a Once-in-a-Lifetime Scientific Encounter - Part Two

MONITORING ACTIVE

Astrophyzix Asteroid Close Approach Series 

Written by: Astrophyzix Science Communication 

Article Type: News, Explainer, Evidence Check

Information Updated: 10 February 2026
 

Introduction

Asteroid 99942 Apophis captured global attention shortly after its discovery in 2004, when early calculations suggested a small but alarming chance of an Earth impact in 2029. At the time, limited observational data created large uncertainties in its predicted trajectory. Over the following two decades, continuous tracking and radar measurements transformed Apophis from a previously feared impact threat into one of the most scientifically valuable near-Earth asteroids ever observed.

Will Apophis hit Earth in 2029? 

No. On 13/04/29 Apophis will pass at a distance of around 20,000 miles or 33,000km.