Apophis (God of Chaos) Asteroid

Apophis (God of Chaos) Asteroid mind map
Recent News
OSIRIS-APEX Mission
Studying Asteroid Apophis
Using close approach in 2029
Insights into
Solar system formation
Planetary defense
Previous mission
Returned sample from Bennu
Renamed from OSIRIS-REx
When
April 13, 2029
Close approach to Earth
What
Apophis
S-type asteroid
Made of silicate materials, nickel-iron
named after the Egyptian god of chaos
OSIRIS-APEX Spacecraft
Arrival in April 2029
18-month operation near Apophis
Instruments
Imagers
Spectrometers
Laser altimeter
Goals
Map surface
Analyze chemical makeup
Observe surface changes
Post close encounter
Dipping within 16 feet of surface
Stir up surface material
Observations
Before and after close encounter
Earth-based telescopes involved
Why
Study
changes in Apophis
Due to Earth's gravity
Inform planetary defense research
Apophis' S-type classification
Common among hazardous asteroids
Where
Proximity to Earth
20,000 miles away in 2029
Who
NASA
Goddard Space Flight Center
Mission management
Dani Mendoza DellaGiustina
Principal investigator
University of Arizona, Tucson
Lockheed Martin Space
Built spacecraft
Provides flight operations
International partnerships
CSA (Canadian Space Agency)
JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)
How
Preparing for encounter
Six close Sun passes
Three gravity assists from Earth
Significance
Planetary defense research
Understanding hazardous asteroids
Solar system formation insights
Tidal forces
Rubble pile material accumulation

The ‘God of Chaos’ asteroid, known as Apophis, is an S-type asteroid that NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX mission is set to study in 2029. This mission aims to observe the asteroid’s close approach to Earth, which will be within 20,000 miles, closer than some satellites. Scientists anticipate that Earth’s gravity will affect Apophis, potentially leading to surface changes like quakes and landslides. This mission is significant for understanding hazardous asteroids and solar system formation, contributing to planetary defense research.

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