Bengaluru: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is closely monitoring a large asteroid named Apophis that is expected to have a close encounter with Earth on April 13, 2029. Named after the Egyptian God of Chaos, Apophis is currently hurtling through space and its proximity to Earth poses a potential threat, prompting global concerns.
ISRO's Planetary Defense Initiative
In response to this looming danger, ISRO has expanded its focus to include a new domain: planetary defense. This initiative aims to protect Earth from extraterrestrial objects, such as asteroids and comets.
Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, emphasized the existential threat that a large asteroid strike represents for humanity. "ISRO is very aware of this threat, and our Network for Space Objects Tracking and Analysis (NETRA) is monitoring Apophis very closely. We only have one Earth to live on. India will cooperate with all nations to ward off this and future threats," Dr. Somanath stated.
Apophis: Close Encounter with Earth in 2029
Discovered in 2004, Apophis has been under continuous observation due to its periodic approach towards Earth. After its close encounter in 2029, Apophis is expected to make another near pass in 2036. While there is concern about its potential impact with Earth, studies suggest that its 2029 approach will be a close flyby rather than a direct hit.
To gauge the proximity of Apophis, it's worth noting that its expected distance from Earth will be closer than the orbit of India's geostationary satellites, which are stationed at around 36,000 kilometers above the Earth. At approximately 32,000 kilometers above Earth, no asteroid of this size has ever come this close.
Potential for "Continental Scale Devastation"
Apophis is larger than India's largest aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, and the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world's largest cricket stadium. The asteroid's estimated diameter ranges from 340 to 450 meters, and any planetary body over 140 meters in diameter that passes close to Earth is classified as potentially hazardous.
'It could cause local extinction'
ISRO estimates that any asteroid larger than 300 meters can cause "continental scale devastation." Dr. A. K. Anil Kumar, head of ISRO's NETRA, explained the catastrophic effects that a collision with such a large asteroid could have: "If it collides with Earth, it could cause local extinction. The dust thrown up by the collision can blanket the atmosphere, causing global disruption."
Lonar Crater Lake iwas formed by a meteor strike
Asteroid impacts are not new phenomena. India bears a testament to this with the Lonar Crater Lake in Maharashtra, formed by a meteor strike approximately 500,000 years ago. Dr. Somanath said, "ISRO will study the Apophis asteroid on its closest approach in 2029. After all, we have a living example of the Lonar Crater Lake made by a meteor strike in Maharashtra."
International Collaboration to Prevent Catastrophe
In anticipation of the potential threat posed by Apophis, several global space agencies are planning missions to study its trajectory and composition. The European Space Agency (ESA) plans to launch the Rapid Apophis Mission for Security and Safety (RAMSES) in 2028. Dr. Somanath mentioned that India might join this international effort.
Not the First Asteroid to Threaten Earth
Asteroids have posed significant threats to Earth throughout history. One of the most recent incidents occurred on February 15, 2013, when a 20-meter asteroid exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia, injuring about 1,500 people and damaging 7,200 buildings. Another notable event was the 1908 Tunguska event, where a 30-meter asteroid exploded over Siberia, flattening an estimated 80 million trees.
The most devastating asteroid impact is believed to have occurred approximately 66 million years ago when a 10-15 kilometer diameter asteroid struck what is now Mexico. This event is credited with causing the extinction of the dinosaurs and nearly 70% of all species on Earth.
While the threat of an asteroid impact like that of Apophis is a sobering reminder of the cosmic challenges faced by humanity, ISRO and the global scientific community are actively developing strategies to mitigate these dangers. Collaboration and innovation will be key in ensuring Earth's safety from potential extraterrestrial threats.