Rare 'God of Chaos' Asteroid to Pass Close to Earth in 2029

The massive Apophis asteroid will come within 20,000 miles of Earth, offering a rare celestial sight and scientific opportunity.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly structured abstract painting in earthy tones, using sweeping geometric arcs, concentric planetary circles, and precise botanical spirals to conceptually represent the complex orbital path and physical forces surrounding the Apophis asteroid as it approaches Earth.An abstract visualization of the Apophis asteroid's historic close approach to Earth, offering scientists a rare opportunity to study this ancient relic from the early solar system.Tucson Today

Asteroid 99942 Apophis, named after the Egyptian deity of chaos, is expected to safely pass within 20,000 miles of Earth on April 13, 2029 - nearly 12 times closer than the moon's average distance. This rare close approach will be visible to observers in the Eastern Hemisphere and provide astronomers a unique chance to study the 1,115-foot-wide asteroid up close.

Why it matters

Apophis was initially labeled a potentially hazardous asteroid due to a small chance of impacting Earth in the coming decades. However, after extensive tracking, astronomers are now confident there is no risk of Apophis hitting Earth for at least the next 100 years. Its close flyby in 2029 will still offer valuable scientific insights into the asteroid's physical properties and composition.

The details

Apophis is a relic of the early solar system, made of leftover raw material that was never part of a planet or moon. Its surface has been weathered by eons of exposure to space weather. NASA has redirected a spacecraft to rendezvous with Apophis shortly after its 2029 close approach, while the European Space Agency is also sending a probe to study it. When Apophis passes, it will become a member of the 'Apollo' group of asteroids that cross Earth's orbit.

  • Apophis is expected to safely pass within 20,000 miles of Earth on April 13, 2029.
  • The asteroid was first discovered in 2004.

The players

Apophis

A rare asteroid named after the Egyptian deity of chaos, darkness and fire. It has a mean diameter of about 1,115 feet and a long axis of at least 1,480 feet.

NASA

The U.S. space agency that has redirected a spacecraft to rendezvous with Apophis shortly after its 2029 close approach to Earth.

European Space Agency

The European space agency that is sending a spacecraft to study Apophis during its close flyby of Earth in 2029.

Roy Tucker, David Tholen and Fabrizio Bernardi

The astronomers who discovered Apophis at the Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Arizona and proposed the name.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

NASA has redirected a spacecraft to rendezvous with Apophis shortly after its close approach in 2029, while the European Space Agency is also sending a spacecraft to study the asteroid.

The takeaway

Apophis' historic close flyby in 2029 will offer a rare celestial sight and a valuable scientific opportunity to learn more about this ancient relic of the solar system. Despite initial concerns, astronomers are now confident the asteroid poses no impact risk to Earth for at least the next century.