Aiming for Apophis: The Reassuring Message from Rick Binzel
In April, a workshop was held at a European Space Agency center in the Netherlands where Rick Binzel, a professor of planetary science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, had three key messages to convey to attendees. And those messages were clear: “Apophis will miss the Earth. Apophis will miss the Earth. Apophis will miss the Earth.”
It may seem strange to have to repeat the same message three times, but it was necessary to reassure everyone that the asteroid Apophis will not be hitting Earth in the near future. This is an important message to convey, especially in light of recent reports that have caused alarm and fear among the general public.
For those who are not familiar, Apophis is a 340-meter-wide asteroid that was first discovered in 2004. It caused quite a stir at the time because initial calculations showed that it had a small chance of colliding with Earth in 2029. However, further observations and calculations have ruled out any possibility of impact in 2029, or even in 2036, which was previously thought to be a potential impact year.
But why is it important to continuously reassure people that Apophis will not hit Earth? The answer lies in the fact that the asteroid is still classified as a “potentially hazardous object” due to its size and orbit. This means that there is a chance, however small, that it could collide with Earth in the future. And this is where Binzel’s messages come into play – to remind us that there is nothing to worry about in the present, and that there are measures being taken to ensure our safety in the future.
One of the main reasons for the workshop was to discuss the upcoming mission by NASA and the European Space Agency to study Apophis in more detail. The mission, known as the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), aims to deflect an asteroid by colliding a spacecraft with it. This will be the first time that such a mission will be attempted, and it could provide valuable information on how to divert an asteroid that may pose a threat to Earth in the future.
Binzel, who is also a co-investigator for the DART mission, emphasized the importance of this mission in his messages. By studying Apophis up close, we can better understand its composition, structure, and trajectory, which will help us prepare for any potential impact in the future. It is a proactive approach to safeguarding our planet and its inhabitants.
Apart from discussing the DART mission, the workshop also focused on other topics related to Apophis and asteroids in general. This included discussions on the latest observations and calculations of the asteroid’s orbit, as well as the potential effects of a collision with Earth. This information is crucial in developing strategies and technologies to mitigate any potential impact in the future.
But perhaps the most important aspect of the workshop was the collaboration and exchange of knowledge among the attendees. Scientists, engineers, and experts from different countries and organizations came together to share their expertise and ideas on how to study and deflect potentially hazardous asteroids. This collaboration is essential in advancing our understanding and capabilities in dealing with such threats.
In conclusion, the workshop held in April at the European Space Agency center in the Netherlands was not only a platform to discuss the latest updates and developments regarding Apophis, but also a reminder that there is no need to fear. The asteroid will miss Earth, and we have the means and the technology to ensure our safety in the future. As Binzel’s repeated messages have reassured us, we are indeed “aiming for Apophis” – aiming to study, understand, and deflect any potential hazards that may come our way. So let us continue to look up at the stars, with curiosity and wonder, but without fear.
