An asteroid named after the ancient Egyptian god of chaos and destruction, Apophis, is moving towards Earth; however, experts say there is no cause for alarm at present.
According to NASA, the giant rock will pass extremely close to Earth without causing any harm, marking a historic moment. The event remains a few years away, but when it occurs, it will be visible to the naked eye without the need for a telescope.
The rare asteroid, known as 99942 Apophis, is expected to pass safely at a distance of approximately 20,000 miles from Earth in 2029, making it one of the closest approaches by an object of its size.
NASA astronomers said that although Apophis poses no immediate threat to Earth, such a close pass by an asteroid of this scale remains an exceptionally rare event. Scientists across the world are keen to take advantage of the opportunity to conduct detailed studies.
NASA further stated that the asteroid, measuring about 1,115 feet in width, will pass even closer than satellites orbiting in geosynchronous orbit.
According to the European Space Agency, this will be the closest known approach of an asteroid of this size that has been predicted in advance. Its nearest pass to Earth is expected to occur on Friday, 13 April 2029, a development that has stirred both excitement and superstition on social media.
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