On 13 April 2029, a roughly 375-metre asteroid named Apophis will pass closer to Earth than some of our own satellites — just 32,000 kilometres above the surface — and new calculations suggest up to 90% of humanity could potentially see it cross the sky w

On 13 April 2029, an asteroid named Apophis, measuring approximately 375 metres, is scheduled to perform an extremely close flyby of Earth. According to coverage from Space Daily, the asteroid will pass just 32,000 kilometres above the surface of the planet. This distance is noted as being closer to Earth than some of the satellites currently orbiting the planet. New calculations provided in the reporting indicate that this event could be visible to as much as 90% of the human population as the asteroid crosses the sky. Several outlets are reporting on the implications of this trajectory.

VICE characterizes the event as one of the rarest asteroid flybys ever recorded, suggesting that Earth is getting a front-row seat to the phenomenon. Meanwhile, ColombiaOne.com highlights a statement from NASA confirming that the asteroid, which has been referred to as the doomsday asteroid, will not actually hit Earth. Other reporting from portalnews.co discusses how this specific asteroid, which previously put the world on alert, is returning to approach the planet in 2029. Contextual reporting indicates that Apophis has a history of causing global concern. Portalnews.co mentions that the asteroid had previously put the world on alert, a sentiment echoed by ColombiaOne.com's use of the term doomsday asteroid.

This background explains why current calculations regarding its 2029 trajectory are being closely monitored by space agencies and reported on by a variety of international news sources. The rarity of a 375-metre object passing at such a proximity is a central point of interest for science analysts. Future attention will likely remain on the impact scenario and the accuracy of these trajectory calculations. While NASA has stated the asteroid will not hit Earth, Inside Outer Space has used the phrase exercise caution in relation to an asteroid impact scenario. Observers and scientists will continue to track Apophis as it approaches the April 2029 date to verify the calculations suggesting that the majority of the global population will be able to witness the flyby from the ground.