Simulation of New Horizons arrival day at Pluto

In summary, Pluto, Charon, Hydra, Nix, Kerberos, and Styx were observed and studied as New Horizons passed through the system. The simulation allows for control over the speed and direction of time and the identification of moons. The accuracy of the simulation is based on starting conditions from JPL Horizons and the NH team is constantly monitoring for potential hazards. The spacecraft will pass in front of Charon on July 14, 11:40, providing a backlit view of any extended atmosphere shared with Pluto. A new version of the simulation allows for real-time viewing on encounter day. The trajectory has been updated to include a graze of the Sun, extending the time for useful observations. The next target,
  • #1
tony873004
Science Advisor
Gold Member
1,752
143
Pluto, Charon, Hydra, Nix, Kerberos and Styx rapidly grow larger as New Horizons approaches, and then passes through the system. It then proceeds to pass through the umbra shadows of both Pluto and Charon so scientists can study their atmospheres.

In this simulation, you can control the speed and direction of time with the Time Step interface. Press "L" on your keyboard to identify the moons.

http://orbitsimulator.com/BA/New_Horizons_Pluto_Flyby2.html
 
  • Like
Likes mfb and Drakkith
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Interesting, thanks.

How accurate is the simulation? Will the spacecraft see Pluto directly in front of Charon (July 14, 11:40)?
 
  • #3
The starting conditions are from JPL Horizons. The NH team is currently scanning for hazards such as undiscovered moons or rings. They have a few backup trajectories just in case they find something that makes this trajectory dangerous. So unless they change course, yes, Pluto will pass in front of Charon. I don't think that's what they were after through. There was some discussion recently that Pluto and Charon share an extended atmosphere. Notice that this trajectory causes them to pass through Pluto's umbra, then it gets a backlit view of any extended atmosphere before passing through Charon's umbra. The size of the Sun is exaggerated in the sim to keep it from looking like a background star.
 
  • #4
http://orbitsimulator.com/BA/rgs.html
This is a new version of the simulation. It will run on your computer in real time, so you can have a visual reference to follow on encounter day.

I've updated New Horizon's trajectory. It looks now like they're going for a graze of the Sun as NH passes through the umbras of Pluto and Charon. Makes sense. This extends the time the Sun is a useful distance below the limb. The Sun is heavily exaggerated in size, so what looks like a miss is actually a hit.
 
  • Like
Likes Drakkith
  • #5
[Mod hat]

I moved recent posts on the actual flyby of Pluto by the New Horizons spacecraft to a thread of its own, New Horizons flyby of Pluto. Please keep this thread to discussions on simulations of the flyby. Use the other thread to discuss the flyby itself.
 
  • #6
The next target has been chosen. 2014 MU69 will be visited in January 2019.
http://orbitsimulator.com/BA/afterPluto.gif
 
  • Like
Likes mfb
  • #7
You can follow New Horizons up to the 1000th century.
 

1. How accurate are simulations of New Horizons' arrival day at Pluto?

The simulations of New Horizons' arrival day at Pluto are based on extensive research and calculations using the most up-to-date data and technology. While they may not be 100% accurate, they provide a very close representation of what we can expect to see on the actual arrival day.

2. What factors are taken into consideration when creating these simulations?

These simulations take into account the trajectory of New Horizons, the gravitational pull of Pluto and its moons, the speed and direction of the spacecraft, and other environmental factors such as dust and debris in the area.

3. Can these simulations be adjusted if there are any changes in the spacecraft's trajectory?

Yes, these simulations can be adjusted if there are any changes in the spacecraft's trajectory. This is why constant monitoring and updates are crucial during the mission to ensure the most accurate simulation possible.

4. How long does it take to create a simulation of New Horizons' arrival day at Pluto?

The time it takes to create a simulation of New Horizons' arrival day at Pluto varies depending on the complexity of the simulation and the amount of data available. However, it can take several months to years to create a comprehensive and accurate simulation.

5. Are these simulations used for scientific purposes or for public outreach?

Both! These simulations are used by scientists to better understand the mission and its potential outcomes. They are also used for public outreach to educate and engage the public in the excitement of space exploration.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
270
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
805
  • Special and General Relativity
3
Replies
94
Views
8K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top