Apophis Asteroid to Pass Close to Earth in 2029: How Near Will It Get?

On April 13, 2029, the Apophis asteroid 2029 event will mark one of the closest approaches to Earth ever recorded for an asteroid of its size. Scientists say that during the Apophis asteroid 2029 pass, the object will come within about 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometers) of Earth’s surface—closer than many of the satellites currently in orbit around our planet.

Will Apophis Hit Earth?

No. NASA has confirmed that Apophis poses no impact threat to Earth during its 2029 flyby. Earlier calculations after its discovery in 2004 raised concerns about possible impacts in 2029, 2036, and 2068, but years of observations and radar tracking have ruled out any collision risk for at least the next century.

How Close Will It Get?

Apophis will pass approximately 20,000 miles from Earth’s surface, placing it inside the orbit of many geostationary satellites. For comparison, the Moon is about 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers) away from Earth on average, making Apophis nearly 12 times closer than the Moon during its flyby.

Will It Be Visible Without a Telescope?

Yes. One of the most exciting aspects of the event is that Apophis is expected to become visible to the naked eye for observers across parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. It may appear as a fast-moving star crossing the night sky, making it one of the rare astronomical events that ordinary people can witness without special equipment.

Why Is This Event So Special?

Apophis is about 340 meters (1,115 feet) wide—roughly the height of the Eiffel Tower. NASA says an asteroid this large passing this close to Earth is extraordinarily rare. Scientists describe the encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study how Earth’s gravity affects an asteroid’s shape, rotation, and orbit.

Space agencies around the world, including NASA and European Space Agency, are planning missions and observations to collect valuable scientific data during the flyby.

A Historic Moment

Astronomers believe this will be the closest known approach of an asteroid this large in recorded history for which humanity had advance warning. Millions of people may have the chance to look up and witness a cosmic visitor racing past Earth. While there is no danger, the event promises to be one of the most remarkable astronomical spectacles of the 21st century.

Apophis will come incredibly close to Earth in 2029, it will not hit our planet, and many people will be able to see it without a telescope. For skywatchers, it could be a truly once-in-a-lifetime event.