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Space
Space
Science
Leonard David

'This is going to be what makes the Earth secure.' How one California company plans to protect us from dangerous asteroids

Earth Apophis NASA Jim Bridenstine
Artist's illustration of asteroid apophis, it looks like a giant grey potato, earth is in the upper left corner of the image.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado — Asteroid Apophis is set to whisk by Earth in 2029 and serve as a wake-up call for getting our planetary defense act together.

Astronomers have shown that the huge chunk of extraterrestrial real estate will not hit Earth in 2029, but will come closer to Earth than our geostationary communications satellites. Radar measurements estimate Apophis is roughly 1,500 feet (450 meters) wide and some 550 feet (170 meters) tall. The April 13, 2029 (conveniently Friday the 13th) Apophis passage will be visible to the naked eye and is stirring up considerable multi-nation action plans to spy on the asteroid at various stages as it careens toward Earth, helping scientists plan for possible planetary defense scenarios.

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