In addition to helping scientists calculate the density of Pluto, this measurement confirms Pluto as the largest known object in the Kuiper Belt! Teach It Most rock has a density between 2000-3000 kg/m 3 and ice at very cold temperatures has a density of 927 kg/m 3, so we can conclude that Pluto is a bit more icy than previously believed. If you do the math, you’ll see that Pluto’s calculated density dropped from 2,051 kg/m 3 to 1,879 kg/m 3 with this new finding. A greater diameter means Pluto’s density is less than we thought. Having a more precise diameter gives scientists the ability to more accurately calculate the average density. ![]() Because of the orbital interactions between Pluto and its moon Charon, Pluto’s mass is well known and understood. This is important information for scientists because it helps them understand the composition of Pluto. Through careful measurements of new images, scientists have determined that Pluto is actually larger than previously thought: 2,370 kilometers in diameter. Over the next several years, the New Horizons spacecraft is expected to visit one to two more Kuiper Belt objects.Įven though it will take 16 months for New Horizons to return all the Pluto science data to Earth, we have already made some interesting and important discoveries about Pluto. The Kuiper Belt -named for astronomer Gerard Kuiper -is a doughnut-shaped area beyond the orbit of Neptune that is home to Pluto, other dwarf planets such as Eris, Makemake, and Haumaea, as well as hundreds of thousands of other large icy bodies, and perhaps trillions of comets orbiting our sun. Worlds similar to Pluto were discovered in the region of our solar system known as the Kuiper Belt. Pluto, famous for once being the ninth planet, was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 after new information emerged about the outer reaches of our solar system. PDT, NASA's New Horizons spacecraft sped past Pluto - a destination that took nearly nine and a half years to reach - and collected scientific data along with images of the dwarf planet. Please join us in fondly and joyfully remembering his sharp wit, his quiet sense of purpose, and his wise perspective, gained both from looking back at Earth from the vantage of space and gazing across calm waters from the deck of his fishing boat.On Jat 4:49 a.m. We will honor his wish for us to celebrate, not mourn, that life. Yet we also know how lucky Mike felt to have lived the life he did. Mike always faced the challenges of life with grace and humility, and faced this, his final challenge, in the same way. He spent his final days peacefully, with his family by his side. “We regret to share that our beloved father and grandfather passed away today, after a valiant battle with cancer. The following is a statement from the Collins family: And his spirit will go with us as we venture toward farther horizons.” Whether his work was behind the scenes or on full view, his legacy will always be as one of the leaders who took America’s first steps into the cosmos. “NASA mourns the loss of this accomplished pilot and astronaut, a friend of all who seek to push the envelope of human potential. There is no doubt he inspired a new generation of scientists, engineers, test pilots, and astronauts. “His own signature accomplishments, his writings about his experiences, and his leadership of the National Air and Space Museum helped gain wide exposure for the work of all the men and women who have helped our nation push itself to greatness in aviation and space. Intensely thoughtful about his experience in orbit, he added, ‘What would be worth recording is what kind of civilization we Earthlings created and whether or not we ventured out into other parts of the galaxy.’ ‘Exploration is not a choice, really, it’s an imperative,’ he said. ![]() “Michael remained a tireless promoter of space. He also distinguished himself in the Gemini Program and as an Air Force pilot. As pilot of the Apollo 11 command module – some called him ‘the loneliest man in history’ – while his colleagues walked on the Moon for the first time, he helped our nation achieve a defining milestone. “Today the nation lost a true pioneer and lifelong advocate for exploration in astronaut Michael Collins. The following is a statement from acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk on the passing of Michael Collins: Astronaut Michael Collins, Apollo 11 command module pilot Credits: NASA
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |