The infamous "God of Chaos" asteroid could be tipped onto a collision course with Earth, scientists have warned.
The asteroid, named Apophis, is set to pass by our planet in a few years' time - but in new research, astrophysicist Paul Wiegert has issued a stark warning about the space rock.
In a study published in The Planetary Science Journal, Wiegert, from the University of Western Ontario in Canada, reveals that the risk of Apophis colliding with Earth is higher than previously thought.
The asteroid, which measures approximately 340 metres across, could be pushed onto a dangerous collision course with our planet by a small object as soon as 2029.
An object just 3.4 metres in size could strike with enough force to set Apophis on a collision course with Earth
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Wiegert's new assessment has raised concerns among scientists, with Apophis already rated at a four on the Torino impact hazard scale - the highest-rated asteroid to date.
His study reveals that an object as small as 60 centimetres across could potentially alter Apophis' trajectory after 2029.
Even more alarmingly, an object just 3.4 metres in size could strike with enough force to set Apophis on a collision course with Earth when it next swings by.
The findings underscore the potential for seemingly minor events to have catastrophic consequences.
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Even small space debris could dramatically alter the path of larger asteroids like Apophis
GETTYWiegert's work highlights the need for constant vigilance in monitoring near-Earth objects, as even small space debris could dramatically alter the path of larger asteroids like Apophis.
The "God of Chaos" is set for close encounters with Earth in 2029, 2036, and 2068, but its first approach will bring it within 31,000 kilometres of Earth's surface - closer than some satellites.
Despite its high rating on the Torino scale, scientists previously believed Apophis's impact risk was low - but Wiegert's research has cast doubt on this assumption.
In response to Apophis, as well as a litany of other space debris, Nasa continues to monitor other near-Earth objects (NEOs) - just recently, the space agency issued alerts for several asteroids passing close to Earth.
In December, NASA launched OSIRIS-APEX to study Apophis, the so-called "God of Chaos" asteroidGETTY
One such object, named 2024 ON and described as "stadium-sized", passed within 621,000 miles of Earth on Tuesday night.
The recent Nasa alerts serve as a reminder of the constant vigilance required in keeping tabs on the NEOs - including the launch last year of a space probe designed to keep tabs on Apophis.
Though 2024 ON may have passed Earth safely, the agency has its eyes on a broader range of potential threats.
Nasa's Asteroid Watch programme, as part of its Planetary Defense Coordination Office, continues to track potentially hazardous objects, providing crucial data on their size, speed, and proximity to Earth.
