Russian astronomers predict Apophis-Earth collision in 2036

So just how many of you knew that an asteroid is currently on a course that could see it whiz past earth so close that Derek Jeter might be able to snatch it out of the air?  While that might be overstating the New York Yankee shortstops abilities only slightly, it does show just how close this rock is expected to pass by earth.  Did you also know that the book of Revelation warns that something very much like a comet or asteroid will indeed slam into our planet during the last days of the Tribulation?

The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.  The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter. Revelation 8:8-10 NIV

From the article:

Russian astronomers have predicted that asteroid Apophis may strike Earth on April 13, 2036. "Apophis will approach Earth at a distance of 37,000-38,000 kilometers on April 13, 2029. Its likely collision with Earth may occur on April 13, 2036," Professor Leonid Sokolov of the St. Petersburg State University said. The scientist said, however, the chance of a collision in 2036 was extremely slim saying that the asteroid would likely disintegrate into smaller parts and smaller collisions with Earth could occur in the following years. "Our task is to consider various alternatives and develop scenarios and plans of action depending on the results of further observations of Apophis," Sokolov said.
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But a reading past the sensationalistic headlines of the Russian article explains that the astronomer, Professor Leonid Sokolov of the St. Petersburg State University, isn't really telling us something that NASA folks don't already know. Both Sokolov and our planetary scientists agree that on Friday, April 13 of 2029 the asteroid is predicted to brush by Earth at 18,000 miles altitude, below the height of Earth's geosynchronous satellites.

Russian astronomers predict Apophis-Earth collision in 2036

http://en.rian.ru/science/20110126/162318648.html

Asteroid Deflection Should Be Next 'Sputnik Moment'

http://news.discovery.com/space/asteroid-deflection-should-be-next-sputnik-moment.html