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Astronomy/Do you think that it will hit us?
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Question
Asteroid Apophis is reported to has a chance of striking Earth on April 13, 2036.
Do you think that it will hit us?
Hi Kristian,
Didn't I just state in a previous answer that is the next doomsday "event" after the Mayan calendar failure of 12/21/2012? The 2036 event is based on whether or not the asteroid passes through a keyhole (the right spot in space) on a near-miss (20,000 miles) in April 2029... see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/99942_Apophis
Even in the unlikely chance (one in a hundred) that Apophis does eventually strike the Earth, it's only about 1000 feet in diameter, far short of the 6 mile or greater size for near-worldwide extinction like the dinosaur strike 65 million years ago. Plus the odds are for a water strike, thus creating a tsunami that would rival the world's worst past tsunami's. But certainly not a concern for a mass extinction. That size, if land were involved, would knock out a state or two (USA) or a couple of European countries, if average speed is involved. The velocity is the key component, remembering that your kinetic energy formula is energy = 1/2 mv squared, (velocity squared).
Information based on future observations, NASA will decide whether or not to send a transponder to that asteroid in the future, so they can accurately track it... we'll know more about the orbit of Apophis after a relatively closer approach I believe in 2013 or 2014. It's something we should keep track of, but I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA USA
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Answers by Expert:
Tom Whiting
Expertise
Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years. Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions. No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.
Experience
Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.
Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.
Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).
Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions; Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).
Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.
Education/Credentials
BS Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA
Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.
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