What is ‘God of chaos’ asteroid and why Apophis’s trajectory has experts worried? Despite reassurances that a collision is highly unlikely, Apophis remains one of the largest asteroids to pass so close to Earth in recent history.

 **What is ‘God of chaos’ asteroid and why Apophis’s trajectory has experts worried? Despite reassurances that a collision is highly unlikely, Apophis remains one of the largest asteroids to pass so close to Earth in recent history.**

Updated: September 9, 2024 08:49 IST

The year 2029 is set to witness a cosmic event that has experts and astronomers across the world intrigued and, for some, concerned. The asteroid Apophis, also known as the ‘God of chaos’, will pass remarkably close to Earth. While NASA and other space agencies have reassured the public that the chances of a collision are extremely low, Apophis’s proximity to our planet and its size make it one of the most significant asteroids to ever come this close. This article explores what Apophis is, why it is dubbed the ‘God of chaos’, and why its trajectory has sparked global attention.

### **What is ‘God of chaos’ asteroid and why Apophis’s trajectory has experts worried? Despite reassurances that a collision is highly unlikely, Apophis remains one of the largest asteroids to pass so close to Earth in recent history.**

Apophis, officially designated 99942 Apophis, was discovered in 2004 by astronomers at the Kitt Peak National Observatory. Named after the ancient Egyptian deity of chaos and destruction, the asteroid immediately drew attention due to its size—an estimated 340 metres in diameter—and its projected close approach to Earth. When Apophis was first observed, initial calculations indicated a small but worrying chance of a collision with Earth in 2029, which understandably had experts concerned. Although further observations reduced this risk to negligible levels, the asteroid’s trajectory has still left some astronomers keeping a close eye on its future paths.

### **Why is it called the ‘God of chaos’?**

The name Apophis is derived from the Egyptian mythological figure Apep, the God of chaos, a serpent-like creature representing darkness and chaos, who was often seen as a symbol of destruction. The asteroid earned this ominous title due to the potentially catastrophic consequences it could have had if it were on a collision course with Earth. While the odds of such an event occurring have been significantly lowered, the asteroid’s considerable size and the closeness of its flyby in 2029 have led many to continue referring to it as the ‘God of chaos’.  

### **What is ‘God of chaos’ asteroid and why Apophis’s trajectory has experts worried? Despite reassurances that a collision is highly unlikely, Apophis remains one of the largest asteroids to pass so close to Earth in recent history.**

In 2029, Apophis will pass within just 31,000 kilometres of Earth. To put this into perspective, that’s closer than the distance at which some of our satellites orbit. This makes Apophis one of the largest and most significant Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) to come so near our planet in modern history. The asteroid’s trajectory, while confidently predicted to miss Earth, raises concerns primarily because of its size. A collision with an asteroid of this magnitude could cause widespread destruction, resulting in massive casualties and long-term environmental damage. Apophis’s flyby serves as a sobering reminder of how vulnerable Earth is to cosmic hazards, even though direct threats are rare.

### **Why are experts still worried despite reassurances?**

What is ‘God of chaos’ asteroid and why Apophis’s trajectory has experts worried? Despite reassurances that a collision is highly unlikely, Apophis remains one of the largest asteroids to pass so close to Earth in recent history. This is the crux of the concern. While space agencies such as NASA have conducted rigorous studies and reassured the public that Apophis will not hit Earth in 2029, there are still factors that keep experts cautious. One such factor is the Yarkovsky effect, a force that can cause an asteroid to slightly change its orbit over time due to the way it absorbs and re-emits heat. Even minor shifts in Apophis’s orbit could have long-term implications for its future flybys.

Another reason for caution is the unprecedented proximity of Apophis to Earth. This close encounter will offer scientists a rare opportunity to study an asteroid of this size up close. The gravitational pull of Earth could, theoretically, alter Apophis’s trajectory, and while this is unlikely to result in a collision, it has scientists keen to monitor how the asteroid behaves post-flyby.

### **What is ‘God of chaos’ asteroid and why Apophis’s trajectory has experts worried? Despite reassurances that a collision is highly unlikely, Apophis remains one of the largest asteroids to pass so close to Earth in recent history.**

For decades, asteroids and comets have been the subject of fascination and concern for astronomers. Many asteroids have passed by Earth without incident, but Apophis’s combination of size and proximity sets it apart. The asteroid is approximately 27 million tonnes in mass, and if it were to collide with Earth, the energy released would be equivalent to around 880 million tonnes of TNT. While these numbers are staggering, it is essential to reiterate that current projections indicate Apophis will safely pass by Earth.

Still, Apophis’s trajectory has renewed interest in asteroid detection and deflection technologies. In 2021, NASA’s DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission successfully impacted a smaller asteroid, demonstrating that it is possible to slightly alter an asteroid’s path. Should Apophis—or any other large asteroid—pose a genuine risk in the future, missions like DART may play a critical role in preventing disaster.

### **Public perception and media attention**

What is ‘God of chaos’ asteroid and why Apophis’s trajectory has experts worried? Despite reassurances that a collision is highly unlikely, Apophis remains one of the largest asteroids to pass so close to Earth in recent history. This is a story that has captivated the public and media alike. The asteroid’s impending flyby in 2029 has already sparked numerous headlines and discussions, with some media outlets sensationalising the event, despite reassurances from experts. Social media has also played a role in stoking fears about the asteroid, with doomsday predictions and conspiracy theories circulating widely.

However, it’s essential to rely on facts and scientific data rather than speculation. The reality is that while Apophis is an impressive and significant NEO, the chances of it posing a direct threat to Earth are exceedingly slim. Its flyby will likely be a moment of scientific discovery rather than disaster.

https://youtu.be/mVdnN4pWn08 ### **Conclusion: What is ‘God of chaos’ asteroid and why Apophis’s trajectory has experts worried? Despite reassurances that a collision is highly unlikely, Apophis remains one of the largest asteroids to pass so close to Earth in recent history.**

In conclusion, the asteroid Apophis, or the ‘God of chaos’, remains a fascinating object of study for astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. Its close approach to Earth in 2029 will be a momentous occasion, offering an unprecedented opportunity for observation and research. Despite the initial concerns, reassurances from space agencies confirm that a collision is highly unlikely. Nevertheless, Apophis’s trajectory highlights the importance of continued monitoring of Near-Earth Objects and the development of potential asteroid deflection technologies. What is ‘God of chaos’ asteroid and why Apophis’s trajectory has experts worried? Despite reassurances that a collision is highly unlikely, Apophis remains one of the largest asteroids to pass so close to Earth in recent history—a statement that will remain etched in the annals of cosmic history.