New Horizon arrives at Pluto

In the present day within the historical past of astronomy, a nine-year journey pays off.

A large spacecraft covered in crumpled gold foil occupies most of the frame against a solid black background. A large, prominent white dish antenna with gold supports is angled upward on the top of the vehicle, while a dark, cylindrical instrument structure extends outward from its upper right side. The scene is brightly lit from the upper left, creating a strong contrast between the gleaming gold surfaces, the bright white dish, and the dark void.

The New Horizons spacecraft flew by Pluto in 2015, gathering knowledge on its floor, inside construction, environment, and extra. Credit score: NASA/APL

New Horizons launched in January 2006, and by July 14, 2015, it had reached its main purpose: Pluto. The primary spacecraft to review Pluto up shut, it performed measurements of Pluto’s environment, mapped the floor geology, noticed Pluto’s moons. New Horizons additionally investigated the dwarf planet’s inside construction, including help to the idea that Pluto has a subsurface ocean. The mountains of information collected at Pluto proceed to be analyzed and researched in the present day, whereas the spacecraft itself is within the Kuiper Belt, on a trajectory for interstellar area.

Elisa Neckar is senior manufacturing editor of Astronomy journal, and the editor of the In the present day within the Historical past of Astronomy function on Astronomy.com.

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