NASA Sends Spacecraft to Study ‘God of Chaos’ Asteroid

December 28, 2023

NASA has relaunched a spacecraft to explore an asteroid nicknamed the “God of Chaos” that will make an extremely close flyby of Earth in 2029.

Introducing Asteroid Apophis

The asteroid Apophis, named after the Egyptian god of chaos, measures about 1,100 feet wide. It approaches Earth every 7,500 years, with its next close pass happening on April 13, 2029.

On that date, Apophis will come within 20,000 miles of our planet – closer than some human-made satellites – making it visible to the naked eye.

Understanding the Encounter

To analyze this rare cosmic encounter, NASA has redirected the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft that recently returned from the asteroid Bennu.

Now called OSIRIS-APEX, its mission is to observe Apophis before, during and after its 2029 flyby to understand the effects of Earth’s gravity on the asteroid.

Studying Surface Changes

As Apophis approaches Earth, our planet’s gravitational pull is expected to alter the asteroid’s rotation period and potentially trigger landslides or “moonquakes.”

OSIRIS-APEX won’t land on Apophis but will operate close by, mapping its surface and analyzing its makeup over 18 months while monitoring physical changes.

In one maneuver, the craft will descend within 50 feet of the asteroid’s surface, using its thrusters to stir up material so scientists can study its composition.

Why It Matters

The spacecraft’s findings will give insights into planet formation and how solar system debris evolved into worlds.

While Apophis poses no threat to Earth, analyzing such near-passes enhances preparedness while shedding light on an asteroid’s response to gravitational stresses.

Even minor alterations could help project Apophis’ future trajectory as it cycles between Earth and sun. Thus OSIRIS-APEX marks a unique opportunity providing data our species has never obtained before.

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