Asteroid Apophis is expected to make an exceptionally close pass by Earth on 13 April 2029, creating one of the most striking sky events in recent memory. The mountain-sized object, named after the Egyptian god of chaos, is projected to come within about 32,000 kilometres of Earth’s surface.
That distance would place Apophis closer than many weather satellites, making the flyby unusual not just for astronomers but for ordinary skywatchers as well. According to the report, the asteroid may appear as a bright moving point of light, travelling fast enough across the stars for careful observers to notice that it is not a typical satellite.
The event could be visible to a huge share of the global population without binoculars or a telescope. Estimates in the report suggest that up to 90% of the world’s population may have a chance to see Apophis with the naked eye, depending on location and viewing conditions.
If that forecast holds, the 2029 Apophis flyby will give humanity a rare opportunity to watch a large asteroid pass remarkably close to Earth in real time. Rather than being a faint object reserved for professional observatories, Apophis could become a widely shared celestial sight visible across much of the world.
