Will you see it?

The answer depends on where you stand

At 31,640 km, Apophis is close enough that your position on Earth changes where it appears in your sky by tens of degrees. A single global map cannot answer the question. Enter your coordinates and this page computes the real geometry for your spot: height above the horizon, direction to look, brightness, and how dark the sky will be.

Your location

Latitude

Longitude

CheckUse my location

Or pick a city

ParisCairoLagosMumbaiSão PauloNew YorkTokyoSydney

Questions about watching

Do I need a telescope?

Across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and much of Asia, no. Apophis peaks near magnitude 3.1, comparable to a middling star in the Big Dipper. Away from city lights it is an easy naked-eye object; from a bright city centre it is faint but still reachable.

What will it actually look like?

Not a fireball and not a streak. A steady star-like point, no tail, no colour — but moving. It crosses the sky fast enough that you can see it shift against the background stars within a minute or two, which is what no real star ever does.

Why does the time differ from what I read elsewhere?

Most articles quote 21:46 UTC, the instant of closest approach. That is correct, but it is not the best viewing moment for most of the world. This page gives you the best moment for your coordinates, which is usually earlier.