Asteroid Apophis nicknamed the “God of Destruction,” will make a close approach to Earth in April 2029. Although the risk of a direct collision with the planet remains extremely low, new research suggests if smaller asteroids or space rocks strike Apophis, they may potentially alter its trajectory, increasing the chances of hitting the Earth.
Apophis, with a diameter ranging between 340 and 450 metres, will pass within 37,000 km of Earth – it might be visible to the naked eye.
New research revealed that if smaller asteroids or space rocks were to collide with Apophis, they could potentially alter its trajectory. The implications of this are significant. Although Apophis is nearly as wide as the Empire State Building is tall, such collisions might redirect its path, possibly affecting future encounters with Earth, including its 2029 flyby.