Discovery of Ice Peaks and Plains on Pluto

The space probe "New Horizons" has transmitted images of the second mountain range discovered on Pluto back to Earth. NASA announced on Tuesday, July 30, that this mountain range is situated among bright icy plains and dark, volcanic-like irregularities. For the first time last Wednesday, scientists observed images of a mountain range on Pluto. The New Horizons probe captured this image on July 18 from a distance of 77,000 kilometers. This image was sent to Earth on Monday of this week. NASA scientists estimate the heights of these icy peaks to be between one and one and a half kilometers. On Friday, July 19, scientists reported that vast icy plains had been observed alongside Pluto's icy mountains. The New Horizons control team has released clear photos of these icy plains, which are located in the heart-shaped region of Pluto, characterized by its lighter color. Scientists estimate that these icy plains are young, only about 100 million years old. Alan Stern, who announced these new findings at NASA, stated, "Who would have thought Pluto would have such complexity?" The New Horizons probe has traveled 3.2 million kilometers past Pluto as of last Friday, and its status remains favorable. Last week, the New Horizons probe was the first Earth spacecraft to send back images of the 4.5 billion-year-old Pluto up close. The probe's journey began nine and a half years ago. Scientists from the New Horizons team say it will take 16 months to send all the data about Pluto and its large moon Charon back to Earth. This team hopes to provide an accurate map of Pluto and its moon with this data.