Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (99942) Apophis: live observations
With no doubts, the most famous potentially hazardous asteroid known to date is (99942) Apophis. Discovered in 2004, it showed a very interesting orbit, bringing it very close to our planet. On Apr. 2029, it will reach a minimum distance from our planet of about 30.000 km and it will come back again in 2036. Its diameter is estimated around 350 meters, with a mass of 30 millions of tons
Apophis has been and still is “used” as part of several catastrophic theories, which really do not have any reason to be. For us, it is just a very interesting rock and will be a memorable show in 2029, when it will be visible by naked eye (!).
While waiting for that remote date, the Virtual Telescope offers you the unique DOUBLE chance to see it live, while it reach in Jan. 2013 a minimum distance form us of about 15 millions of km. Needless to say, no risks of collision, it is a huge distance.
These great, online and live observing sessions are scheduled for Jan. 10 at 01:00 UT AND Jan. 21 2013, at 22:00 UT. Images and live commentary will be shared, as usual, on our exclusive WebTV page!
Support The Virtual Telescope Project!
Support us! Please, donate and receive an EXCLUSIVE image of the stunning COMET C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS and much more, specifically made for supporters like you!
(you can adjust the amount later)
