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Did I get your attention with that title?
Heads up, everyone! There is an asteroid named APOPHIS (how apropos) that will pass near the earth in 2029 and in 2036. If you think this is more internet crap, just trot on over to the NASA web site and draw your own conclusion.
Here is the problem: IF it passes close enough in 2029, it COULD hit the earth in 2036. The size is estimated to be about 12 miles (diameter?) Big enough to kill the planet. Needless to say, NASA is following the progress of APOPHIS very closely.
It is too soon to draw any definite conclusions, because the asteroid is still far away. There are many possibilities, but few definites.
Check me on this one: It is possible that Apophis would pass between earth and anything in geosynchronous orbit.
I looked up the altitude of geosynchronous orbit, and discovered it to be 22,238 miles above sea level. (The moon is approximately 250,000 miles from earth).
It is too early for doom and gloom, and too early for saying "it can be fixed." The entire point of this post is to inform you of the existence of Apophis, and to suggest you learn more.
Heads up, everyone! There is an asteroid named APOPHIS (how apropos) that will pass near the earth in 2029 and in 2036. If you think this is more internet crap, just trot on over to the NASA web site and draw your own conclusion.
Here is the problem: IF it passes close enough in 2029, it COULD hit the earth in 2036. The size is estimated to be about 12 miles (diameter?) Big enough to kill the planet. Needless to say, NASA is following the progress of APOPHIS very closely.
It is too soon to draw any definite conclusions, because the asteroid is still far away. There are many possibilities, but few definites.
- Definite: Apophis asteroid exists.
- Definite: NASA considers it a NEO (near earth object)
- Definite: There is a LOT of speculation going on.
- Definite: The "powers that be" around the world are following the asteroid's progress and making plans.
Apophis (circled) in a composite of five exposures taken on January 31 with the University of Hawaii 2.2-meter telescope on Mauna Kea. Image by D. Tholen, M. Micheli, G. Elliott, UH Institute for Astronomy.
Check me on this one: It is possible that Apophis would pass between earth and anything in geosynchronous orbit.
I looked up the altitude of geosynchronous orbit, and discovered it to be 22,238 miles above sea level. (The moon is approximately 250,000 miles from earth).
It is too early for doom and gloom, and too early for saying "it can be fixed." The entire point of this post is to inform you of the existence of Apophis, and to suggest you learn more.
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