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What happened
The European Space Agency (ESA) is closely monitoring the Apophis asteroid, which is expected to make a close approach to Earth in 2029. While current assessments suggest it will not impact the planet, the ESA is preparing for various scenarios to enhance planetary defense measures. The agency's efforts include detailed observations and simulations to better understand the asteroid's path and potential risks.
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Key insights
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Close Encounter in 2029: Asteroid Apophis will pass within 31,000 kilometers of Earth, closer than many geostationary satellites.
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ESA's Strategic Use of Radar: The ESA will employ advanced radar systems to gather detailed data on Apophis, aiding in precise calculations of its orbit and physical characteristics.
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Mitigating Potential Threats: Understanding the asteroid's composition and trajectory is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate any potential future threats it may pose to Earth.