Asteroid 99942 Apophis could be visible to as many as 7.6 billion people during an ultra-close flyby on April 13, 2029 [1, 4].
This event marks the first time a potentially hazardous asteroid will be observable to the naked eye. Because the asteroid will pass closer to Earth than many man-made satellites, it will be bright enough to be seen without specialized equipment [1, 5].
The asteroid is expected to pass approximately 20,000 miles from the surface of the Earth [3]. New visibility maps indicate that the object will be observable across large portions of Africa, Europe, and other regions, provided the skies remain clear [3, 5].
There is a range of estimates regarding how many people will actually witness the event. Some data suggests up to 90% of the world's population, or roughly 7.6 billion people, may see the asteroid [1]. Other estimates place the number at more than two billion people, specifically across Western Europe and Africa [2].
Apophis is described as being roughly the size of the Eiffel Tower [3]. While classified as potentially hazardous, its proximity during the 2029 approach provides a rare opportunity for researchers and the public to observe a near-Earth object at such a short distance [1, 2].
“Apophis could be visible to as many as 7.6 billion people”
The approach of Apophis represents a significant astronomical event because of its classification as a potentially hazardous asteroid. While the visibility varies by region, the close proximity allows scientists to study the physical characteristics and orbital perturbations of a near-Earth object in real-time, providing critical data for planetary defense strategies.
