With the data New Horizons sent to Earth, scientists have now calculated Pluto’s diameter of 2370 km – plus / minus 19 km. It is 80 km larger than previously assumed.
On Tuesday, the New Horizons to pass Pluto at a distance of only 12500 km at a speed of about 50,000 km / h.
According to project Alan Stern risk is 1 in 10000 that the probe could collide with any objects, but he adds to the news agency AP:
– We are flying into the unknown. It’s a risk we have to take the examinations.
When the probe passes closest is not reachable from the space control on Earth. New Horizons can not make observations and send the data to Earth at the same time, so for a few hours, the probe only to devote themselves to scientific missions.
Next, the evening Swedish time send a signal and confirm that the mission is completed. It takes 4.5 hours for the signal to reach the earth.
Read also the story of Ny Teknik visits Alan Stern.
No comments:
Post a Comment