After a journey of 15 1/2 years since launch, a space probe is set to make its closest approach to Pluto.
At 4:49:57 a.m. PST Tuesday morning, the New Horizons space probe will make its closest approach to Pluto, marking it the closest humans have ever come to the dwarf planet.
New Horizons launched in January 2006 and is traveling at 31,000 mph. It will fly within 7,750 miles of Pluto where it will take highly detailed photos of the surface.
Recently, the probe has sent back the highest resolution pictures ever taken of Pluto displaying three distinct regions of the dwarf planet. Additionally, it will send back data on surface, ice and dust composition as well as information on its nitrogen-based atmosphere.
Similar data will also be collected on Pluto’s five moons.
See also: NAU Ice Lab Preps For New Pluto Data From New Horizons Space Probe
