Apophis: From Mythological Demon to Modern-Day Asteroid Threat .

The Ancient Fear of Apophis and Its Modern-Day Threat

The Legend of Apophis in Ancient Egypt

 

Several thousand years ago, in Egypt, people were very afraid of a demon. They worshipped the gods of Egyptian mythology, of course, but they were also terrified of a serpent-like demon named Apophis. They believed Apophis was very powerful and that one day he would destroy the entire world because he was the god of destruction and chaos in Egyptian mythology.

 

Apophis in 2024: An Asteroid Threatening Earth

 

Now, interestingly, in 2024, chiefs of space agencies from various countries around the world are warning about an asteroid named Apophis, which is expected to pass very close to Earth in the coming years. If it collides with Earth, it could cause a mass extinction event. Recently, the chief of ISRO issued a warning that if this asteroid hits Earth, which is possible as it is still far away, we can only anticipate and calculate its path. It will pass very close to Earth, but how close remains uncertain. Our gravitational pull might draw it in, and in that case, we need to be prepared. Protecting Earth is everyone's responsibility, and ISRO is ready to do whatever is necessary to ensure this asteroid does not hit Earth and cause a mass extinction event.

 

Understanding the Seriousness of Apophis

 

Now, who is this asteroid, and what is the US planning? What can ISRO do? These are the things we will discuss, but first, I want you to understand the seriousness of this issue. I am currently on NASA's website, which is available to the public, and you can see all this data yourself. There is an entire page dedicated to Apophis, an asteroid discovered by NASA in 2004. Its orbit around the solar system, with planets and their satellites, includes many asteroids moving wildly throughout. Some of these asteroids have the potential to hit Earth, and NASA tracks them as the most hazardous asteroids. Apophis was given a special name due to its large size and close proximity to Earth, a name reserved for a significant threat. The ancient name of the demon was revived for this asteroid, and NASA tracks its position.

 

The Potential Impact of Apophis

 

Apophis is 335 meters wide, and if it approaches Earth, the impact could be substantial. Astronomers have published many studies over the years about whether Apophis will hit Earth. Most have said there is no risk of a direct hit, but it will pass uncomfortably close in 2029, again in 2036, and once more in 2068. The closest pass will be in 2029, at a minimum distance of 36,000 kilometers from Earth. These calculations, though accurate, can change, and therefore, ISRO's chief has emphasized the need to be prepared.

 

Historical Context and the Need for Preparation

 

Historically, we do not see such events in our lifetimes or our parents' lifetimes, so we tend to think they will never happen. But the history of the universe and even of Earth includes frequent mass extinction events caused by asteroids. The ISRO chief has seen the impact of asteroids on Jupiter and knows the potential devastation if such an event were to happen on Earth. Therefore, preparation is essential to ensuring humanity and all life forms continue to thrive.

 

NASA's DART Mission and Global Cooperation

 

If an asteroid approaches Earth, what will we do? NASA has a plan for the DART mission. They propose sending a spacecraft to hit the asteroid just enough to change its trajectory away from Earth. This plan is in place, and ISRO is ready to contribute to any global mission to save Earth. India's readiness is significant as, under US law, NASA cannot collaborate with China's space agency, and relations with Russia are strained. India's offer to step up is important for global cooperation in protecting Earth.

 

The Future of Apophis and Our Planet

 

If you want to see a movie about such a scenario, where countries work together to deflect an approaching asteroid amidst geopolitical tensions, it provides a good idea of the challenges humanity might face. In the coming time, this asteroid will remain in the news, and any new developments will be updated. Hopefully, these updates will continue past 2029, though I might be joking or maybe not.

Conclusion

As humanity stands on the cusp of unprecedented challenges, the story of Apophis serves as a stark reminder of our vulnerability and the interconnectedness of ancient myths and modern science. The looming threat of the asteroid Apophis underscores the importance of global cooperation, technological innovation, and proactive measures to safeguard our planet. Today's scientists and space agencies work tirelessly to protect Earth from a very real celestial danger bearing the same name.

The warnings from ISRO, NASA's DART mission, and the united stance of space agencies worldwide highlight a collective resolve to confront this potential disaster head-on. It is a call to action for all of humanity to prioritize planetary defense and ensure that myths of destruction remain in the realm of ancient lore, never to be realized in our reality.