Pluto Resolved
Explanation:
New Horizons has
survived
its close encounter with Pluto and has resumed sending back images and data.
The robotic
spacecraft
reported back
on time, with all
systems
working, and with the expected
volume of data stored.
Featured here is the highest resolution image of
Pluto
taken before closest approach, an image that really brings
Pluto into a satisfying focus.
At first glance, Pluto is reddish
and has several craters.
Toward the image bottom is a surprisingly featureless light-covered region that resembles
an
iconic heart, and mountainous
terrain appears on the lower right.
This
image,
however, is only the beginning.
As
more images
and data pour in today, during the coming week,
and over the next year, humanity's understanding of
Pluto and its moons will likely become revolutionized.
Pluto flyby updates: #PlutoFlyby,
Twitter,
Facebook,
Web
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
