A simulation shows what would happen to Earth if it was hit by the "God of Chaos" asteroid... and it's pretty terrifying!
Late last year NASA launched a mission to intercept and study the asteroid Apophis, famously nicknamed the "God of Chaos," as it neared Earth's orbit.
Although asteroids have historically been linked to catastrophic events, such as the one that wiped out the dinosaurs, NASA assures that this isn't one of those threats.
Instead, Apophis' close flyby in 2029 will allow for unprecedented observation.
Apophis, a peanut-shaped asteroid measuring an enormous 340 meters wide, is set to make a close pass by our planet on April 13, 2029.
The asteroid will pass within an estimated 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometers) of Earth’s surface, flying over the Atlantic Ocean.
Moving at incredible speed, it will take less than an hour to cross the entire sky.
A recent study by Canadian astronomer Paul Wiegert and his co-author Benjamin Hyatt has suggested that the situation could potentially change.
According to the research, published in The Planetary Science, the collision of Apophis with another object - measuring just 0.6 meters - could be enough to alter its trajectory.
The study suggests that if the object was 3.4 meters or larger, it could cause Apophis to deviate off course, increasing the risk of a future impact on Earth.
Even so, Wiegert and Hyatt emphasize that the chances of such an event remain slim, with odds estimated to be around 2.7 percent.
Even though the chances of being struck by the asteroid are slim, I imagine a few of us still have a morbid fascination with what it would look like if it did.
Well fear not, because a simulation shows all:
According to Cosmoknowledge, a popular science platform, Apophis "wouldn't be a planet killer," but its impact would be devastating.
The asteroid would strike with the kinetic energy equivalent to "1,000 megatonnes of TNT, or tens to hundreds of nuclear weapons."
Though humanity's survival as a whole would not be threatened, the effects would be catastrophic, potentially causing billions of deaths and severe climate disruption.
"We would have to get out of the way if we could not stop it or change its trajectory," the platform explains.
"A project of that magnitude would necessitate global cooperation, as millions of people would become the first space refugees. Depending on the size, density, speed, and angle of approach of the asteroid, such an evacuation may not be possible."
For those interested in astronomy, Apophis’ flyby presents an exciting opportunity to grab a telescope and take a look... if you can wait until 2029!
