On 13 April 2029, asteroid (99942) Apophis will pass just 32,000 kilometers above Earth—closer than many satellites. The event poses no risk but offers a unique chance for billions to observe a moving point of light in the sky without telescopes.
On 13 April 2029, asteroid (99942) Apophis will sweep past Earth at a distance of only 32,000 kilometers—closer than the orbit of many satellites. According to new projections presented in June 2026, up to 7.6 billion people, or nearly 90% of the global population, will be within regions where the asteroid could be visible at some point during its seven-hour journey across the sky. While this does not guarantee simultaneous or clear viewing for everyone, the scale of potential visibility is unprecedented for an astronomical event of this kind.
The calculations, released by Eclipse Atlas and discussed at the Apophis T-3 Years workshop at the University of Padua, are based on hourly maps covering the period from 15:00 to 22:00 UTC. This window includes Australia, much of Asia, Africa, Europe, and parts of South America. The European Space Agency (ESA) offers a more conservative estimate, suggesting around 2 billion people may have a brief opportunity to see Apophis under dark skies. In Spain, the Canary Islands are among the locations modeled for possible observation, and the event will follow the highly anticipated total solar eclipse of 2027.
Unprecedented Proximity
Apophis, discovered in 2004, measures roughly 340 to 450 meters in diameter—large enough to cause concern when it was first identified. Early calculations suggested a risk of impact in 2029, 2036, or 2068, but further observations and radar campaigns have since ruled out any collision for at least the next century. The asteroid's closest approach will bring it below the altitude of geostationary satellites, which orbit at about 36,000 kilometers. However, both NASA and ESA confirm there is no danger of impact.
ESA estimates that an object of Apophis's size comes this close to Earth only once every 5,000 to 10,000 years. During its flyby, Apophis will appear as a bright, moving point of light—more like a slow-moving star than a meteor. Viewing conditions will depend on local weather, light pollution, and the asteroid's position in the sky.
Scientific Missions: Ramses and OSIRIS-APEX
The 2029 flyby is not just a spectacle for skywatchers. ESA has confirmed that construction of its Ramses mission began in June 2026, with the spacecraft scheduled to launch in spring 2028. Ramses will arrive ahead of Apophis and accompany the asteroid during its passage, deploying two CubeSats for additional observations. Meanwhile, NASA's OSIRIS-APEX mission will rendezvous with Apophis in June 2029, studying changes in its surface, rotation, and orbit after the close encounter. The probe will also descend toward the asteroid, using its thrusters to disturb rocks and dust for analysis, though it will not collect samples.
These missions aim to measure how Earth's gravity affects Apophis, providing valuable data for planetary defense and asteroid science. The timing coincides with other major astronomical projects, such as the planned 1,650-antenna radio telescope expected to transform observations of the universe by 2029.
2029: Year of Planetary Defense
Recognizing the significance of Apophis's approach, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2029 the International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defense in December 2024. The initiative seeks to use the safe passage of Apophis to educate the public about how near-Earth objects are detected, tracked, and studied. It also encourages scientific outreach, observation campaigns, and cooperation among agencies, universities, astronomers, and local communities.
For those hoping to witness the event, Apophis will be visible to the naked eye from many regions as a slowly moving star. Observers are advised to seek dark locations and consult updated maps as the date approaches. The flyby offers not only a rare astronomical spectacle but also a timely opportunity to highlight the importance of planetary defense and international collaboration in monitoring cosmic threats.
