Asteroid Apophis 99942 to Pass Earth in 2029, Stirring Global Curiosity
Filmogaz.com reported on 13 April 2026 that asteroid 99942 Apophis will pass very near Earth on 13 April 2029. The approach will rank among the closest encounters recorded for a large near-Earth object.
Asteroid Apophis 99942 to Pass Earth in 2029, Stirring Global Curiosity among astronomers and the public alike. The announcement has prompted international scientific planning and observation campaigns.
Close approach details
Predictions place closest approach at roughly 32,000 kilometers from Earth. That distance roughly matches the orbit of geostationary satellites. The time of closest approach is expected at 18:45 Brasília time.
Peak brightness should occur near 17:30 Brasília time. Observers in Europe, Africa and western Asia have the best viewing prospects. Under dark skies, the object may be visible to the naked eye.
Visibility in Brazil remains uncertain and will depend on local conditions. Clear skies and low light pollution will improve chances of sighting. Atmospheric transparency will also be decisive for observers.
Origin and risk history
The asteroid received the name Apophis from Egyptian mythology. Mythological associations helped draw public attention after its discovery in 2004. Since then, scientists have tracked it closely.
Initial orbit calculations raised concerns about possible impact. Subsequent, more accurate analyses removed the likelihood of collision. The object remains classified as potentially hazardous because of its size and orbit.
Estimated diameter is about 375 meters. This size makes it important for studies of near-Earth asteroid dynamics and impact risk assessments.
Planned missions
The European Space Agency plans the Ramses mission for launch in 2028. Ramses aims to monitor the asteroid before, during and after the flyby to collect high-resolution data.
NASA’s Osiris-Apex mission will reach the asteroid in June 2029. Orbital insertion is planned about two months after closest approach to study post-flyby changes.
Scientists intend to assess any structural changes caused by Earth’s gravity. The collected data will inform future monitoring and planetary defense strategies.
Scientific importance
The 2029 encounter offers a rare chance for direct observation at close range. Close distance enables detailed study of surface, rotation and structural response. The passage will test models of gravitational interaction and material behavior.
Long-term observation since 2004 has steadily improved orbital predictions. The 2029 data set will refine risk estimates and support future asteroid research. Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments and mission updates.
