Close encounter of the asteroid kind

A 275-METRE-wide asteroid will make the latest in a series of close approaches to the Earth tomorrow morning.

Scientists have ruled out any possibility of a cataclysmic collision – for now – but there remains a  chance of the asteroid Apophis smashing into Earth in 2036.

This year Apophis, named after an Egyptian mythological demon, will not get closer than around 14.5 million kilometres.




When the asteroid was discovered in 2004, scientists calculated a one-in-45 chance of an impact in 2029. Improved predictions later lifted the threat.

The asteroid’s latest near approach will occur at 11am AEST tomorrow.



Scientists at the US space agency NASA have calculated that if Apophis struck the Earth it would generate a blast equivalent to more than 500 megatonnes of TNT. In comparison, the most powerful hydrogen bomb ever detonated, the Soviet Tsar Bomba, released 57 megatonnes.

Press Association

The story Close encounter of the asteroid kind first appeared on The Sydney Morning Herald.

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