In April 2029 a massive asteroid called 99942 Apophis will pass extremely close to Earth. This space rock is about 370 meters wide which is roughly the size of a large skyscraper laid on its side. Although the approach sounds dramatic scientists confirm the asteroid will safely pass our planet.

The asteroid will travel about 31,600 kilometers above Earth. That distance may sound large but in space terms it is incredibly close. In fact Apophis will pass closer to Earth than many communication satellites that orbit our planet every day.
Because the asteroid will pass so close it may be visible to the naked eye in some parts of the world. Observers in Europe Africa Asia and Australia will likely see the best views as the asteroid moves quickly across the night sky like a bright fast moving star.
Astronomers from organizations such as NASA will closely monitor the event. Telescopes around the world will track the asteroid to study its movement shape and surface features.

Encounters like this are extremely rare for an asteroid of this size. The 2029 flyby of Apophis will become one of the most watched space events of the decade and a reminder that our solar system is constantly moving and changing.