A rare celestial spectacle is set to captivate billions around the world as a massive asteroid named Apophis, roughly the size of the Eiffel Tower, makes a remarkably close and safe approach to Earth. Scientists have confirmed that the once-in-a-millennium event will occur on April 13, 2029, offering an extraordinary opportunity to witness a cosmic visitor with the naked eye.
According to astronomers, Asteroid Apophis will be visible across large portions of Africa, Western Europe, and Asia, glowing faintly in the night sky as it passes by our planet. Under clear weather conditions, no telescopes or special equipment will be needed — the asteroid will appear as a slow-moving star gliding overhead.
Discovered in 2004, Apophis was initially feared to pose a potential collision risk, with early calculations suggesting a small chance of impact. It was even rated Level 4 on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale, the highest ever recorded for a near-Earth object. However, after years of detailed tracking and orbital analysis, NASA and global observatories have ruled out any threat, confirming that the asteroid will pass safely by Earth.
During his keynote address at the Europlanet Science Congress in Finland, Professor Richard Binzel of MIT described the flyby as “the first time in history that a potentially hazardous asteroid will be visible to the unaided eye.” He emphasized that Apophis’ passage represents a milestone in planetary observation, stating, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study how Earth’s gravity influences such a large asteroid in real time.”
Measuring approximately 340 meters in diameter, Apophis is comparable in size to the Eiffel Tower and is expected to come within 32,000 kilometers of Earth—closer than many communications satellites. Scientists plan to use radar imaging, optical telescopes, and space missions to observe how the asteroid’s shape and rotation are affected by Earth’s gravitational pull.
Researchers are particularly eager to see if the flyby alters the asteroid’s surface or trajectory, offering valuable insights into planetary defense and asteroid behavior. “We don’t know, and we won’t know until we look,” said Binzel, highlighting the scientific curiosity surrounding the event.
Apophis, named after the Egyptian god of chaos, has intrigued astronomers for decades. Its upcoming 2029 approach, though entirely safe, marks the closest flyby of an asteroid of its size in recorded history.
While scientists assure there is no risk of collision, they note a minuscule—less than one in a billion—chance that other celestial factors could slightly alter its orbit in the distant future. For now, experts remain confident that the encounter will be a moment of wonder rather than worry.
As anticipation builds, millions are expected to look to the skies in April 2029 to witness one of the most awe-inspiring astronomical events of the century—a cosmic reminder of Earth’s place in the vast universe.
