FAQ

Q: What is Asteroids2029?

A: The United Nations General Assembly declared 2029 the International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence to take advantage of the close approach of asteroid Apophis. Asteroids2029 is a global peer-led initiative to amplify the scope and reach of the UN-declared International Year. Asteroids2029 is composed of experts from and supported by a broad network of organizations spanning aerospace, science and education, bringing together institutions, scientists, educators, communicators, and citizens to promote asteroid awareness, planetary defence and international collaboration in safeguarding our shared planet.

Q: Why is Asteroids2029 happening now?

A: Asteroids2029 is timed to coincide with the close approach of asteroid (99942) Apophis on 13 April 2029, a rare astronomical event when a large asteroid will pass unusually close to Earth and be visible to the naked eye for many under dark skies. This provides a unique opportunity to engage the world in asteroid science and planetary defence.

Q: How do you pronounce Apophis?

A: Uh-PAW-fiss or Uh-poh-fiss

Q: Will Apophis impact the Earth?

A: No. Apophis poses no impact risk to Earth during its 2029 close approach or in the foreseeable future. The event is scientifically important and offers a rare opportunity for observation and public engagement.

Q: What are the main goals of Asteroids2029?

A: Asteroids2029 focuses on three core goals: increasing global awareness and understanding of asteroids; improving public understanding of asteroid impact risks and planetary defence; and strengthening international collaboration and preparedness.

Q: How can countries and organisations participate?

A: Participation is open worldwide. Countries and organisations can establish National Nodes to coordinate activities locally, join as Organisational Nodes or partners, contribute to events and educational programmes, and participate in global campaigns and observing activities.

Q: What activities will take place during Asteroids2029?

A: Activities will take place worldwide and may include public observing events, educational programmes, exhibitions, planetarium shows, science festivals, global communication campaigns, and scientific collaboration initiatives. Many activities will culminate around the Apophis close approach in April 2029.

Q: How can the public get involved?

A: The public can participate by attending local events, engaging with educational resources, taking part in citizen science projects, and connecting with National Nodes and participating organisations.

Q: Where can I find more information?

Additional information is also available through the United Nations’s webpage for the Year.

Q: What is the long-term impact of Asteroids2029?

A: Asteroids2029 aims to leave a lasting legacy by strengthening global cooperation in planetary defence, increasing public understanding of asteroid science, supporting education and capacity-building worldwide, and inspiring future generations to engage with science and space.

Q: Who is organizing Asteroids2029?

A: Asteroids2029 is a global peer-led initiative to amplify the scope and reach of the UN-declared International Year. Asteroids2029 is composed of experts from and supported by a broad network of organizations spanning aerospace, science and education

Q: What is the Asteroids2029 Secretariat?

A: The Secretariat is the central coordination body of Asteroids2029. It supports global implementation by coordinating activities, managing communications, facilitating partnerships, and ensuring alignment across the international network.

Q: How will the Secretariat be established?

A: An Interim Secretariat has been established to support early activities. A global Call for Expressions of Interest will invite organisations to apply to host the permanent Secretariat.

Q: How is Asteroids2029 funded?

A: Asteroids2029 operates through a collaborative funding model. The Secretariat will be supported by in-kind contributions from the Host Organisation, financial contributions from international partners, sponsors, and donors, and additional in-kind support from participating organisations.

Q: Is anyone planning a mission to Apophis?

A: Currently, we are aware of three agencies planning Apophis mission: NASA has repurposed their OSIRIS-REx spacecraft to arrive at Apophis shortly after the asteroid’s closest approach to Earth. ESA is building the so-called RAMSES spacecraft to travel with Apophis from a few weeks before the asteroid’s closest approach. JAXA’s Destiny+ spacecraft will perform a flyby at Apophis during its way to asteroid (3200) Phaethon.

Q: What is Planetary Defence?

A: The term “planetary defence” refers to activities and actions to predict and mitigate a potential impact by an asteroid or comet on the Earth.