More New Horizons Images!

After focussing all of its energy on taking science data during closest approach, New Horizons has been slowly but surely sending back the stream of information collected on the Pluto system.  This long process of returning the data to Earth has meant periodic updates for humanity, and a rekindling of excitement for the newest secrets revealed about the dwarf planet.  Here is a video of the region of Pluto imaged in high resolution, followed by some of the best still along the way.

Credit: NASA / New Horizons
Credit: NASA / New Horizons
Credit: NASA / New Horizons

This is the closest and most detailed view of Pluto that humanity will have for decades.  We see some incredible features, from mountain chains to vast craters in the ice fields, to sectioned glaciers on sputnik planum.  Such a mind blowing difference from the best images we had only 6 months ago, of a blurry world with no detail.  Pluto has been transformed into an enigmatic world with fascinating geological features just waiting to be understood.  As more data returns to Earth and astronomers continue to study the results of the New Horizons mission, we will undoubtedly end up with a lot more to get excited about.

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