New Horizons Reveals the Enigmatic Pluto and Charon
Fly-by Anniversary Reveals New Maps and Videos
Two years after the historic fly-by of the dwarf planet Pluto by NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scientists continue to unveil the mysteries of this distant world and its largest moon, Charon. To commemorate the anniversary, NASA has released a series of new maps and videos that offer unprecedented insights into these celestial bodies.
Fly-Over of Pluto and Charon
An immersive 3D fly-over of Pluto, created using data collected by New Horizons, takes viewers on a breathtaking journey over some of the dwarf planet’s most iconic features. One of the most striking is Sputnik Planitia, a vast nitrogen ice plain that stretches across hundreds of kilometers. The fly-over also reveals mountains, craters, and other intriguing geological formations.
A fly-over of Charon, Pluto’s largest moon, showcases its deep canyon, Serenity Chasma, named after the spaceship in the popular science fiction series Firefly. Charon also boasts a variety of other fancifully named features, such as Mordor Macula, a dark region reminiscent of the fictional realm in The Lord of the Rings.
Topographical Maps Unveiling Surface Details
The New Horizons team has also released detailed topographical maps of both Pluto and Charon. These maps were created using data from the spacecraft’s Long-Range Reconnaissance Imager and Multispectral Visible Imaging Camera. The maps reveal precise elevations of various features, including ice volcanoes, mountains, and craters.
Mysteries of the Pluto System
The complexity of the Pluto system has astounded scientists. As New Horizons principal investigator Alan Stern remarked, “Everywhere we turn are new mysteries.” The maps and videos released by NASA will help unravel these mysteries and provide a deeper understanding of Pluto and Charon’s unique characteristics.
Kuiper Belt Exploration Continues
Since its encounter with Pluto, New Horizons has embarked on a journey to explore the Kuiper Belt, a region of icy bodies beyond Neptune. In 2019, the spacecraft is set to fly by a small object more than 1 billion miles past Pluto, providing further insights into the outer reaches of our solar system.
Unveiling the Enigmas of Distant Worlds
The New Horizons mission has revolutionized our understanding of Pluto and Charon, revealing a world far more complex and intriguing than previously imagined. The newly released maps and videos provide a valuable resource for scientists and the public alike, offering a glimpse into the enigmatic realms of the outer solar system.