P006
Close encounters in the Earth-Moon System: Apophis, 2024 YR4, and the future of Planetary Defense
Close encounters in the Earth-Moon System: Apophis, 2024 YR4, and the future of Planetary Defense
Session ID#: 248431
Session Description:
On 27 January 2025, near-Earth asteroid (NEA) 2024 YR4 reached a record Torino Scale impact rating of 3 before additional observations ruled out an Earth impact in 2032. A >1% impact probability remains, though, with the Moon. On 13 April 2029, (99942) Apophis will pass within geosynchronous orbit, offering a once-in-7kyr opportunity for investigations into Earth’s gravitational influence on asteroid properties and collaborative observations with ground and space assets, including NASA’s Apophis Explorer, ESA’s RAMSES, and JAXA’s DESTINY+. These encounters highlight growing public interest in asteroid hazards and scientific opportunities that will be amplified by next generation asteroid surveys. This session invites abstracts focused on NEA observations, modeling of dynamical or physical evolution, mission concepts, and planetary defense applications. We especially welcome interdisciplinary contributions that bridge science, engineering, and policy to address the evolving landscape of planetary defense in the context of increasing detection rates and upcoming close encounters.
Co-Sponsor(s):
- SY - Science and Society
Index Terms:
4339 Disaster mitigation [NATURAL HAZARDS]
6035 Orbital and rotational dynamics [PLANETARY SCIENCES: COMETS AND SMALL BODIES]
6055 Surfaces [PLANETARY SCIENCES: COMETS AND SMALL BODIES]
6205 Asteroids [PLANETARY SCIENCES: SOLAR SYSTEM OBJECTS]
Primary Convener: Ronald-Louis Ballouz, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD, United States
Conveners: Edgard G. Rivera-Valentin, Applied Physics Laboratory Johns Hopkins, Laurel, United States, Dawn Graninger, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD, United States and Andrew Rivkin, JHU/APL, Laurel, United States
See more of: Planetary Sciences