Asteroid Apophis to Threaten Satellites in 2029
A giant asteroid named Apophis is heading toward Earth. As it passes by, it could damage satellites in geostationary orbit, the Russian Academy of Sciences has warned.
Consensus
- Asteroid Apophis will pass close to Earth in April 2029.
- The asteroid will pass at a distance of about 32,000 kilometers from Earth's surface.
- The asteroid has a diameter of approximately 0.5 kilometers.
- The asteroid has a mass of about 50 million tons.
- Fragments of the asteroid will not fall to Earth.
- Satellites in geostationary orbit may be at risk during the flyby.
Points of divergence
- The asteroid Apophis may damage satellites on geostationary orbit as it passes Earth. — tg_mosguru
- The asteroid Apophis could collide with one of the satellites in geostationary orbit. — m24
Coverage (2 sources)
- Giant asteroid Apophis is heading toward Earth — as it passes by Earth, it may damage satellites in geostationary orbit... — Первый Московский
- Expert Eismont: asteroid Apophis may collide with one of the orbit satellites in 2029 — Москва 24