The asteroid Apophis

Apophis, also known as asteroid 99942 Apophis, is a near-Earth object discovered in 2004.

It has an estimated diameter of about 340 metres and has been classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid due to its close orbit to Earth.

Initially, the possibility was raised that Apophis could collide with Earth in 2029. However, subsequent observations and studies have ruled out that scenario, determining that it will pass at a distance of about 32 000 kilometres on 13 April 2029.

This distance brings it closer to our planet than some satellites, which is expected to cause not only changes in its orbit but also earthquakes and landslides on its surface. NASA's OSIRIS-REx space probe that was studying the asteroid Bennu has been redirected to study Apophis and renamed OSIRIS-APEX',

Apophis is believed to be composed mainly of rocks and metals, such as iron and nickel, but spectroscopic studies have revealed the presence of silicates on Apophis, suggesting the existence of minerals such as olivine and pyroxene.

All these questions are expected to be resolved by 2029.