[Updated] Exactly at 13:49 our time New Horizons spacecraft will pass Pluto at a distance of approx. 12.5 thousand kilometers. It will be the first man-made object that will be so close to the ice exoplanets. NASA will provide photos and measurements that can answer many of the questions tormenting scientists studying it.
[Update 14:20] NASA has released the first image, taken from a close distance from Pluto. At the time of capture New Horizons spacecraft was 766,000 kilometers from its surface. So exactly Pluto have not seen yet never in the history.
[Original information] – From the sky will fall on us rain data – CNN portal said Alan Stern, conducting team of researchers from NASA. They are anticipated as much, because Pluto is the last planet “classic” solar system that has not yet been thoroughly explored by humans. Stern’s team hopes that obtained by the seven instruments placed on board the probe, used to determine how Pluto and its moons are similar to the celestial bodies of the Solar System. For although officially lost its status as a planet, it is for scientists is little changed.
- The fact is that in planetary objects such as Pluto and other dwarf planets in the Kuiper Belt are considered to be planets and planets called in everyday discussions on scientific meetings – Stern wrote in an official NASA press release.
Sent in January 2006. New Horizons spacecraft has traveled more than five billion kilometers to find himself so close to Pluto. During this trip she had the opportunity to look at only two other celestial bodies. April 7 passed the orbit of Mars, February 28, 2007 – Jupiter. Later, already started by the cosmic void, having targeted only one thing – Pluto. Examine the planet was, indeed, since its primary purpose.
During the eight years that devoured flight, a team of NASA conducted only routine tests probe systems, light trajectory corrections and above all, preparing to meet with Pluto. The chance to take pictures and measurements will be only one. Scientists have practiced many times, and now finally the moment comes for the implementation flight in practice.
He almost to the awaited meeting with Pluto would never happen. July 4 controllers at NASA lost contact with the probe for nearly 1.5 hours. After I managed to regain communication, she remained for some time in the so-called. Safe Mode, strongly reducing the possibility of data collection. Fortunately, before the key date managed to restore the efficiency of all its systems.
In addition to carrying out measurements of key NASA probe will perform a series of images. Part will be performed just before passage, a few more – right after him. NASA promised to provide photographs July 15 at 6 am our time.
DG
See also: In addition to Pluto will fly ashes of its discoverer
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