NASA’s spacecraft OSIRIS-REx has been relaunched as the OSIRIS-APEX to embark on an important mission: studying the asteroid Apophis and its close flyby of Earth in 2029. Apophis, often referred to as the “God of Chaos,” will come remarkably close to our planet’s surface, within a mere 20,000 miles. This proximity places it even closer than certain manmade satellites.
The primary objective of the OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft is to examine the effects of Earth’s gravity on Apophis. This investigation includes observing any changes to the asteroid’s surface, as well as potential landslides and seismic activity. The mission aims to provide crucial insights into the behavior and characteristics of near-Earth asteroids.
Although OSIRIS-APEX will not attempt a landing on Apophis, it will remain in close proximity to the asteroid for approximately 18 months. During this time, it will meticulously map the asteroid’s surface and analyze its chemical composition. This analysis will contribute to a better understanding of the asteroid’s origin, formation, and evolution.
In an extraordinary maneuver, the spacecraft will even approach as close as 16 feet to the asteroid’s surface. This approach will enable scientists to study the material present below the surface, granting them valuable information about the asteroid’s internal structure and composition.
While the OSIRIS-APEX mission is poised for its encounter with Apophis in 2029, scientists are already monitoring the asteroid as it approaches six close passes with the sun. Despite still being five years away from its close approach to Earth, every moment of its journey holds important clues about its trajectory, rotation, and other critical factors.
NASA’s decision to continue studying Apophis highlights the agency’s commitment to unraveling the mysteries of our universe. With each new discovery, scientists get one step closer to understanding the complex and dynamic nature of asteroids, as well as their potential impact on our planet.
As OSIRIS-APEX embarks on its mission, the world eagerly awaits the groundbreaking data it will provide. The information gleaned from this ambitious endeavor promises to expand our knowledge of not just Apophis but also the broader universe that surrounds us. Stay tuned to The Bib Theorists for the latest updates on OSIRIS-APEX and other celestial phenomena that shape our understanding of the cosmos.
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