THE DEMON ASTEROID POSES A GREATER RISK THAN PREVIOUSLY EXPECTED

The "Demon" asteroid flew past the Earth on Friday the 5th of March 2021, but its next return has scientists concerned.

The Apophis asteroid gets its name from an ancient Egyptian demon. It's about the size of the Eiffel Tower, and has just zipped past Earth once again.

Fortunately, the Demon asteroid has been closely monitored since 2004, and has safely passed the Earth at a distance around 40 times greater than the distance from the Earth to the moon. Its next expected visit will be on the 13th of April 2029, and is too expected to miss the Earth, but new calculations reveal that the distance will be significantly closer – and at the same altitude as most satellites.

Friday's close Earth passing of the Demon asteroid is currently being greatly analysed and, based on that data, scientists will be able to work out far more accurately what the trajectory might be in the next passing in 2029. This will include whether or not the Earth's gravitational field will have a larger impact over the asteroid based on its mass, and whether or not an impact might be possible!

Take a look at the video below by YouTube channel, Free Information, on Demon Asteroid Poses Greater Threat To Earth.