The key findings from the new Pluto images include the discovery of a diverse and complex landscape, with evidence of past and present geological activity. The images also revealed a thin atmosphere, multiple moons, and a reddish-colored surface.
The images were captured by NASA's New Horizons spacecraft, which flew by Pluto in July 2015. The spacecraft used its suite of instruments, including cameras and spectrometers, to take high-resolution images and collect data about the dwarf planet and its moons.
The new Pluto images have provided scientists with the first close-up view of this distant world, filling the knowledge gap about Pluto and its moons. The images also offer insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system.
At its closest point, Pluto is about 4.2 billion miles away from Earth. However, its distance from Earth varies due to its elliptical orbit, with the farthest point being about 4.6 billion miles away.
While New Horizons has completed its mission to Pluto and is currently exploring the Kuiper Belt, there are no current plans for NASA to send another spacecraft to Pluto. However, as technology advances, it is possible that future missions may capture more images and data from this fascinating dwarf planet.