Pluto Resolved
From NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day
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.
