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

Asteroid Apophis will come within 20,000 miles of Earth, closer than many satellites, in a rare celestial event.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:58pm

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A bold, abstract painting in earthy tones depicting the complex orbital path and gravitational forces surrounding the Apophis asteroid as it approaches Earth, conveying the structural order of the solar system through sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals.As the 'God of Chaos' asteroid Apophis approaches Earth in a rare close flyby, astronomers prepare to study its orbit and physical properties in unprecedented detail.Tucson Today

The near-Earth asteroid Apophis, named after the Egyptian deity of chaos, is expected to safely pass within about 20,000 miles of Earth on April 13, 2029 - nearly 12 times closer than the moon's average distance. This will be one of the closest approaches ever recorded for an object of its size, making it visible to the naked eye in the Eastern Hemisphere, weather permitting.

Why it matters

Apophis was initially labeled a potentially hazardous asteroid due to the possibility of impacting Earth in the coming decades. However, after further tracking and analysis, astronomers are now confident there is no risk of impact for at least the next 100 years. This close flyby will provide a rare opportunity for scientists around the world to study the asteroid's physical properties and better understand its orbit.

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. It has a mean diameter of about 1,115 feet and a long axis of at least 1,480 feet. Its close passage in 2029 will cause Earth's gravitational pull to slightly change the asteroid's orbit around the sun, but not increase the risk of future impact. NASA has redirected a spacecraft to rendezvous with Apophis shortly after its close approach, while the European Space Agency is also sending a spacecraft to study it.

  • Apophis was first discovered in 2004.
  • Apophis will safely pass within about 20,000 miles of Earth on April 13, 2029.
  • Apophis will become a member of the 'Apollo' group of asteroids that cross Earth's orbit after its 2029 flyby.

The players

Apophis

A near-Earth 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.

Roy Tucker

One of the astronomers who discovered the asteroid Apophis at the Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Arizona.

David Tholen

One of the astronomers who discovered the asteroid Apophis at the Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Arizona.

Fabrizio Bernardi

One of the astronomers who discovered the asteroid Apophis at the Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Arizona.

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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

This rare close flyby of the 'God of Chaos' asteroid Apophis will provide a unique opportunity for astronomers around the world to study its physical properties and better understand its orbit, even though the risk of impact has been ruled out for at least the next century.