A "little star" will fly over Russia: Asteroid Apophis will approach Earth closer than satellites

In April 2029, asteroid Apophis will fly at a distance of about 32 thousand kilometers from Earth. For observers in Russia, this will be one of the most notable astronomical events of the decade – a faint "little star" moving against the night sky will be visible.

According to Sergey Yazev, leading researcher at the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and professor at Irkutsk State University, on the night of April 13-14, 2029, the object will be clearly visible from the territory of Russia.

He clarified that the asteroid will look like a small, faint dot slowly "floating" across the sky. Binoculars will be sufficient for observation, and in places without urban light pollution, it is estimated that it may even be visible to the naked eye – weather permitting.

Apophis was discovered in 2004. Its size is about 350 meters. In 2029, it will pass at a distance of approximately 32 thousand kilometers from Earth – this is very close by cosmic standards, which is why the event is of great interest to scientists.

Russia is developing its own mission to Apophis. As Eduard Boos, director of the D. V. Skobeltsyn Institute of Nuclear Physics at Moscow State University, reported, the option of sending a small satellite or spacecraft that can approach the asteroid, obtain images, and possibly even collect soil samples is being considered.