Watch as the asteroid 99942 Apophis, once classified as the most likely asteroid to hit the Earth, zooms past our planet during two live shows today from the Slooh Space Camera collaboration. The first show begins at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET and the second will start at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET.
When it was discovered in 2004, Apophis was calculated to have a 1 in 45 chance of smashing into the Earth in 2029, releasing the energy equivalent of 10 hydrogen bombs and probably making a huge mess. This was the highest probability ever assigned to an asteroid for hitting our planet. Later refinements have ruled out Apophis’ doomsday scenario, though the object will still give our planet a “close” shave in 2029 and again in 2036, possibly making it visible to the naked eye.
During today’s flyby, the asteroid will come within around 9 million miles of the Earth, or about 37 times the distance between our planet and the moon. The passes later this century will bring it much closer, roughly 20,000 miles — within the orbit of geosynchronous satellites.
On Jan. 9, the European Space Agency’s Herschel space telescope released new measurements of Apophis that suggested it is about 1,000 feet in diameter, roughly 20 percent bigger than previously thought. Astronomers are closely watching the asteroid during this latest close approach so they can further refine their estimates of its orbit. Current calculations suggest it has a 1 in 250,000 chance of hitting Earth in 2036 but new data could alter these odds, hopefully making them lower.
The Slooh shows will discuss the history and characteristics of Apophis. They will feature Slooh president Patrick Paolucci, outreach coordinator Paul Cox, and documentary filmmaker Duncan Copp. Viewers can watch live on their computer or iOS/Android mobile device.
Video: Slooh Space Camera
Adam is a Wired reporter and freelance journalist. He lives in Oakland, Ca near a lake and enjoys space, physics, and other sciency things.
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Watch Live: Former Doomsday Asteroid Apophis Flies by Earth
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Watch Live: Former Doomsday Asteroid Apophis Flies by Earth
