Asteroid Apophis, a near-Earth object roughly 1,100 feet across, will make an unprecedented close approach to Earth in 2029. The event has been described as a once-in-a-millennium flyby, with up to 90% of the world's population potentially able to see it without a telescope.
Apophis will pass within 19,000 miles of Earth's surface, closer than many geostationary satellites. The asteroid's trajectory and brightness during this encounter are expected to make it visible across much of the planet, offering a rare opportunity for widespread observation.
The closest approach is predicted to occur on April 13, 2029. No impact risk exists for this pass, though scientists continue to track its orbit precisely.
This flyby provides a significant scientific opportunity for studying an asteroid of this size at such close range. Observations could yield insights into asteroid composition and structure, as well as help refine planetary defense models.
Some astronomers caution that visibility estimates depend on local weather and light pollution conditions, and that the 90% figure represents potential rather than guaranteed viewing. The event remains a major planetary science milestone.