Has anyone heard anything about an asteroid in 2004 that will come very close to the earth in 2029?

Question

if so could you tell me the name and how it will affect the earth

Answer 1

It was inirally called MN-2004 but has now been given a Minor Planet Cetre number (99942) and name (Apophis).

Wikipedia reports:

"(99942) Apophis (previously known by its provisional designation 2004 MN4) is a near-Earth asteroid that caused a brief period of concern in December 2004 because initial observations indicated a relatively large probability that it would strike the Earth in 2029.

However, additional observations provided improved predictions that eliminated the possibility of an impact on Earth or the Moon in 2029. However there remained a possibility that during the 2029 close encounter with Earth,

Apophis would pass through a "gravitational keyhole", a precise region in space no more than about 400 meters across, that would set up a future impact on April 13, 2036. This possibility kept the asteroid at Level 1 on the Torino impact hazard scale until August 2006.

Additional observations of the trajectory of Apophis revealed the "keyhole" would likely be missed and on August 5, 2006, Apophis was lowered to a Level 0 Torino impact hazard scale. As of October 19, 2006 the impact probability for April 13, 2036 is estimated at 1 in 45,000.

An additional impact date in 2037 has been identified, however the impact probability for that encounter is 1 in 12.3 million."

and comments:

"Possible impact effects

Since the odds of impact are known to be very low, the possible effects of an impact are largely irrelevant. However, the initial reports resulted in widespread discussion on many Internet forums, including armchair speculation about exactly where Apophis (then known only as 2004 MN4) would hit and what would happen when it did.

NASA initially estimated the energy that Apophis would have released if it impacted Earth as the equivalent of 1480 megatons of TNT.

A more refined later NASA estimate was 880 megatons. The impacts which created the Barringer Crater or caused the Tunguska event are estimated to be in the 10-20 megaton range. The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa was the equivalent of roughly 200 megatons.

The exact effects of any impact would have varied based on the asteroid's composition, and the location and angle of impact.

Any impact would have been extremely detrimental to an area of thousands of square kilometres, but would have been unlikely to have long-lasting global effects, such as the initiation of an impact winter."

Answer 2

The asteroid you're asking about is known as Apophis (2004 MN-4)

On April 13, 2029 it's expected to pass within 23,555.33 miles of Earth. The asteroid has a diameter of about 300 yards. This object is being carefuly monitored, and all studies continue to indicate that it has a zero chance of striking Earth.

Answer 3

I just read about it last week.

They say it has a 1 in 45,000 chance of actually hitting the earth. It is about the size of a football field, I believe.

If, and that's a big IF, it were to hit the earth, it would depend on the speed, the angle, and what it was made of would all be factors as to what kind of damage could be done.

Personally, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it because by that time we would be able to destroy it while it is still in deep space....then we would only get pulverized dust from it, if that. Also, we can detonate a large bomb, perhaps nuclear, in its path to deflect it further from us.

Sleep well :-)

Answer 4

as of now, it is supposed to miss the earth. however, it will be visible from in the night sky. if you want to learn more. go to NPR.com science friday (not exact address).

Answer 5

ask the fortune tellers!!! are you dumb?! i dont know that!!!!! bullshit!!!