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Real Images of Pluto's Largest And Most Spectacular Surface Features (4K UHD)
2023/12/24

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This article showcases real images of the largest and most spectacular surface features of Pluto, captured in stunning 4K Ultra High Definition. These images offer a closer look at the remote planet's fascinating terrain.

Pluto, once classified as the ninth planet in our solar system, has captivated astronomers and researchers since its discovery. In recent years, new technological advancements have allowed spacecrafts to capture high-resolution images, providing us with an unprecedented view of its surface.

One of the most striking features visible in these images is the heart-shaped region known as Tombaugh Regio.

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This monumental formation spans approximately 1,473 miles and is located in the western half of Pluto's surface. It was named after Clyde Tombaugh, the astronomer who discovered Pluto in 1930. The heart-shaped region consists of a bright, icy plain surrounded by darker, rugged terrain. This contrasting landscape has puzzled scientists and sparked numerous theories about its formation and composition.

Another feature that stands out in these images is a large, circular structure called Sputnik Planitia. This expansive plain is located within the Tombaugh Regio, near Pluto's equator. It stretches approximately 620 miles in diameter and is covered in nitrogen ice.

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Sputnik Planitia is believed to be a basin, possibly formed by an ancient impact. Its smooth surface and lack of craters suggest that it may have been recently reshaped by geologic activity.

The images also reveal mountains of ice rising from the surface of Pluto. These mountains, known as Norgay Montes and Hillary Montes, are named after the famous mountaineers Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary. They reach heights of up to 11,000 feet and are located near the western edge of Pluto's heart-shaped region. The presence of these mountains indicates that Pluto's surface is not static but rather undergoes dynamic processes.

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Additionally, the images highlight Pluto's hazy atmosphere, which is composed mainly of nitrogen with traces of methane and carbon monoxide. This thin atmosphere extends above the surface, creating a bluish haze. Studying Pluto's atmosphere provides valuable insights into its climate and geologic activity.

These real images of Pluto's largest and most spectacular surface features offer a glimpse into the remote planet's complex and intriguing world. By examining these images and analyzing the data they provide, scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of Pluto and deepen our understanding of the outer reaches of our solar system.

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