The University of Bern’s camera will play a crucial role in studying the asteroid Apophis during its close approach to Earth in April 2029. This research aims to enhance our understanding of potential asteroid impacts.
Apophis Asteroid’s Close Flyby
On April 13, 2029, Apophis will fly by Earth at a mere distance of 32,000 kilometers. This unprecedented event allows scientists to observe the asteroid closely. The Earth’s gravitational influence is expected to slightly reshape Apophis, potentially triggering small avalanches that could expose material from beneath its surface.
RAMSES Mission and CHANCES Instrument
The University of Bern is making significant contributions to the RAMSES mission by developing the CHANCES instrument, which stands for Color High-resolution Apophis Narrow-angle CamEra System. This advanced camera will capture high-detail images of Apophis, helping researchers monitor changes on its surface.
Antoine Pommerol, the project lead at the Physics Institute in Bern, states, “Our instrument will take detailed images and detect subtle changes caused by Earth’s gravitational pull.”
International Collaboration
The construction of space instruments at the University of Bern is a well-established tradition, with numerous partners across Switzerland collaborating on the project. International contributions come from France, Canada, and Austria, who are supplying essential components for the mission.
- Mission Partners:
- University of Bern (Switzerland)
- European Space Agency (ESA)
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
- Key Event: Apophis flyby on April 13, 2029
- Distance from Earth: 32,000 kilometers
The European Space Agency recently approved the RAMSES mission at its Ministerial Council meeting, further affirming the importance of this international initiative. The opportunity to closely monitor Apophis not only advances scientific knowledge but also enhances planetary defense strategies against potential asteroid impacts.
