NASA is launching a mission to investigate the 'God of Chaos.'
It might sound like something in relation to God of War, but it's actually an asteroid that is heading towards Earth.
NASA's spacecraft, OSIRIS-REx, was sent off to race against the clock to study the extremely close passing of the 340 metre wide asteroid, formerly titled Apophis.
Apophis is due to fly by Earth in 2029, which NASA announced 'hasn’t happened since the dawn of recorded history.'
Advert
A spokesperson from Nasa stated: 'The intrigue of Apophis is its exceptionally close approach of our planet on April 13, 2029.'
They added: 'Scientists estimate that asteroids of Apophis’ size, about 367 yards across (about 340 meters), come this close to Earth only once every 7,500 years.'
At this time, the spacecraft will meet the S-type asteroid but will not land on its surface and instead will 'operate in proximity' for the following 18 months.
Advert
Although the passing event is still five years off, NASA scientists hope to keep track of it during its first of six 'close passes with the sun.'
OSIRIS-APEX will use its range of imagers, spectrometers, and a laser altimeter to closely map the surface and analyse its chemical makeup.'
Dani Mendoza DellaGiustina, principal investigator for OSIRIS-APEX said:
'We know that tidal forces and the accumulation of rubble pile material are foundational processes that could play a role in planet formation.
Advert
'They could inform how we got from debris in the early solar system to full-blown planets.'
The spacecraft will approach within 16 feet of the asteroid's surface, allowing its thrusters to be fired downward for scientists to take a 'peek at the material that lies below' and determine why it's on the move.
Despite its daunting title, the 'God of Chaos' will not hit Earth during 'this encounter or the foreseeable future', the close flyby will only measure 20,000 miles away.
Advert
Though 20,000 miles sounds quite far, the NASA spokesperson has reported that it will fly closer than 'some satellites', and close enough that it could be 'visible to the naked eye' to those in the Eastern Hemisphere.'
The Earth’s effects are also likely to change the length of the asteroid's day, which currently records around 30.6 hours per day. This could also lead to 'landslides and quakes' on the 'God of Chaos'.
NASA scientists are interested in observing its swift passing of Earth.
Amy Simon, the mission’s project scientist based at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, said: 'OSIRIS-APEX will study Apophis immediately after such a pass, allowing us to see how its surface changes by interacting with Earth’s gravity.'