Scientists set sights on asteroid larger than Eiffel Tower as it skims past Earth

The Ramses mission will also explore the composition and internal structure of Apophis during the asteroid’s close encounter with Earth. Illustration: European Space Agency

In 2029 an asteroid larger than the Eiffel Tower will skim past Earth in an event that until recently scientists had feared could foreshadow a catastrophic collision.

Now researchers hope to scrutinise 99942 Apophis as it makes its close encounter in an effort to bolster our defences against other space rocks.