Apophis
the Destroyer
In Egyptian mythology, Apep (also spelled Apepi, and Aapep, or Apophis in Greek)
was an evil demon, the deification of darkness and chaos, and thus opponent of light
and Ma'at (order/truth), whose existence was believed about from the Middle Kingdom
onwards. Apophis was the destroyer, enemy of RA, the Sun.
Asteroid 99942 Apophis
(2004 MN4)On June 19, 2004 Roy A. Tucker, David J. Tholen, and Fabrizio Bernardi of the NASA-funded University of Hawaii discovered an asteroid whose orbit crosses the Earth's twice every year. Automatic computer calculations first predicted that it would impact the Earth and scientists began looking very closely at the potential for destruction. Hence, the naming of the asteroid Apophis.
350 meters (1150 feet) in diameter the asteroid is now calculated to pass within 25,000 miles of Earth (coincidentally, the same distance of our communications satellites) on FRIDAY THE 13TH in April of the year 2029. It will be visible to the naked eye.
Oribital calculations are continuing to pinpoint the exact proximity but many unknown factors can affect the orbit. Other as yet undiscovered objects might change the orbit. At this time Apophis is the most dangerous asteriod yet discovered by NEO, NASA's Near Earth Object tracking program. Projections beyond 2029 still indicate a possible impact in the year 2036.
Will it hit us or not?
To
see an animated visualization tool of Apophis that you can control date and time and
see for yourself the danger of this object click
HERE
April 13th (Friday) 2029
Our neighborhood has dozens of wild Muscovy ducks that wander the community and
breed several times a year. The ducklings are the target of wild predators such as
ospreys, falcons and egrets that also live nearby. Click on the picture to read more.
What is it?
This summer I noticed a plant growing in my backyard... really FAST. Faster than any
plant I've ever seen. By 12 weeks it had reached 15 feet in height and looked like a
tree. It wasn't bamboo, which I knew was one of the fastest growing of all, but I had
no idea what it was. I had to know. I finally found out after three days of Googling.
What a surprise. I found my answer on a pediatrician's website. Read about it
here.
We in this country, in this generation, are -by destiny rather than choice -the
watchman on the walls of world freedom. We ask, therefore, that we may be worthy of our
power and responsibility, that we may exercise our strength with wisdom and restraint,
and that we may achieve in our time the ancient vision of peace on Earth, goodwill
toward men
~ John F. Kennedy
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