New Horizons Prepares to Search for Clouds in Pluto’s Atmosphere

NASA to Search for Clouds in Pluto’s Atmosphere

An artist’s conception of clouds in Pluto’s atmosphere. Credit: JHUAPL

Using the high-resolution LORRI imager and the Ralph color image on the New Horizons Spacecraft, NASA scientists hope to reveal Pluto’s secrets.

If Pluto has clouds, New Horizons can detect them. Both the high-resolution LORRI imager and the Ralph color imager will be used to look for clouds across the face of Pluto during its approach and departure from the planet. “We’re looking for clouds in our images using a number of techniques,” said science team postdoc Kelsi Singer of the Southwest Research Institute, “If we find clouds, their presence will allow us to track the speeds and directions of Pluto’s winds.”

Be the first to comment on "New Horizons Prepares to Search for Clouds in Pluto’s Atmosphere"

Leave a comment

Email address is optional. If provided, your email will not be published or shared.