Apophis, ‘God of Destruction’ is set to skim Earth's orbit; Why scientists are watching closely

In 2029, asteroid Apophis will make a close flyby, passing just 20,000 miles from Earth, an event visible to millions without telescopes. Though once feared to collide, Apophis poses no threat for at least a century. However, its proximity provides a rare opportunity for space agencies to study it closely. NASA and the ESA plan to use this event to advance planetary defense strategies, ensuring Earth is better prepared for future asteroid threats.