An asteroid known as Apophis, measuring about 350 meters in diameter, is expected to pass close to Earth in April 2029, according to scientists cited by RBC.
Size and potential impact
Experts note that Apophis is roughly four times larger than the Tunguska event object. The 1908 explosion flattened forests across about 2,000 square kilometers in Siberia.
While a collision of a similarly sized object could cause significant damage, scientists stress that no such scenario is expected in this case.
No collision risk
Georgy Goncharov of the Pulkovo Observatory said the asteroid poses no threat to Earth.
He explained that Apophis will pass through the region of geostationary satellites, which could potentially affect communications, though disruptions are not certain.
Visibility and trajectory
Discovered in 2003, Apophis has been closely monitored ever since. Scientists say it will be visible to the naked eye on April 13, 2029.
According to CNN, the asteroid will pass about 10 times closer to Earth than the Moon. It is expected to be visible to roughly 2 billion people across Europe, Africa and Asia.
