‘God of Chaos’ Asteroid: Potential Hazards and Social Reactions

An enormous asteroid, ominously named "God of Chaos" or 99942 Apophis, has stirred talks across social media, particularly TikTok, due to predictions of its potential impact on Earth. The asteroid, first detected in 2004, is creating quite a buzz primarily because it is predicted to pass alarmingly close to our planet on Friday, April 13, 2029—a date that already harbors superstitions.

Back in 2017, experts evaluated a 2.7% chance of Apophis colliding with Earth. While various scientists, including Canadian astronomer Paul Wiegert, initially foresaw this potential impact in 2029, they cautioned it could happen earlier if a small object strikes the asteroid. Despite the unsettling possibility, many have turned the topic into humor on TikTok.

TikTok user @onebigfact detailed that Apophis, spanning over 1,000 feet wide, could come nearer to Earth than the Moon and might even be visible to the naked eye as it approaches on the dreaded Friday the 13th. Similarly, user @newswithasb, with a substantial follower count, echoed these fears stating, "An asteroid could be hitting Earth in 2029 and if it does, we are all done for." He added its name stems from the slim but dramatic 2.7% chance it carries of knocking Earth out of its orbit—though this remains exceptionally unlikely.

The discourse around Apophis has generated a mix of fear, humor, and even exaggerated bravery among TikTok users. One user joked about the potential to still need to attend school, while another strangely replied about football points. Others took a hero's stance with remarks like "I’ll handle this," contrasting with the apathetic "Oh well" or the resigned "Let me live."

Despite the jokes and the sensationalized fear, experts stress that a more comprehensive understanding and additional observational data by 2029 will help gauge the real risk of the "God of Chaos." As it stands, while 2029 may bring closer observation opportunities, significant impacts are currently regarded as improbable.

Earlier, SSP wrote that scientists propose expanding physical reality into extra dimensions.