Let's talk about Pluto!

redheadbride15

Does anyone else think this is really cool?!? I have a soft spot for this little once-a-planet. And today I learned that one its moons has a dark spot on it that scientists call Mordor. This just brings so much joy to my inner nerd (oh whoops, am I not supposed to use that word?).

http://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/nasas-new-horizons-probe-phones-home-after-pluto-flyby-n391611

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/07/15/science/space/new-horizons-pluto-flyby-photos.html?_r=0

NowIamMrsKlein

My FI was almost emotional yesterday over Pluto. He's really into science and space and everything and it was a big deal for him.

I have always had a soft spot for Pluto, being super short myself, I always felt bad for poor poor Pluto getting shafted in regards to planet designation. Just because you are small doesn't mean you arent worth being a planet!!! Screw you Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Pluto will always be a planet to me.

haha

[Deleted User]

You can use that word now that MI / VG / Whoever she was is gone.

mrsdee15

I think it's so cool!  I used to look at astronomy books as a kid and they would just have artists' renditions of what Pluto may look like, and I used to really want to see it.  It's awesome.  I'm surprised at its color, it looks like a little Mars.  You're still a planet in my heart, Pluto.  Is New Horizons going to continue to send back pictures?  That would be awesome to see some deep space stuff.

redheadbride15

Yeah it sounds like New Horizons is going to be collecting a bunch of data from the Kuiper belt - which is really cool. So if Pluto is NOT a planet, then this if officially the first mission that has left our solar system, right? That's pretty awe-inspiring.

Here's the official NASA mission webpage. It's got some great pictures. https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/newhorizons/main/index.html

teddygirl9

This is all over my FB today lol. I love pluto

luckya23

I heard on the radio last night they are making it a planet again...??

teddygirl9

Also, if you like spacey stuff, col. Chris Hadfield is super interesting to follow on FB

NowIamMrsKlein

Tee hee

thespeshulestsnowflake

CMGragain

My DH is the president of the local astronomy club, and he was exited about that heart, too.

CMGragain

redheadbride15 said:

Yeah it sounds like New Horizons is going to be collecting a bunch of data from the Kuiper belt - which is really cool. So if Pluto is NOT a planet, then this if officially the first mission that has left our solar system, right? That's pretty awe-inspiring.

Here's the official NASA mission webpage. It's got some great pictures. https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/newhorizons/main/index.html

Sorry, but there are more things in our solar system than just planets, though they are the largest.  Pluto was reclassified as a "planetoid" - a mini-planet.  There are also comets, moons that orbit planets, asteroids, and many other space objects in our solar system.  (I'm a nerd's wife.)

WinstonsGirl

emmaaa

I still think of Pluto as a planet.

[Deleted User]

I just made a little "squee" noise looking at the up-close pictures of the mountains on Pluto. I love Pluto. Pluto is the reason I met my best friend of over 12 years. Pluto is the best and will always be a planet in my heart! lol

redheadbride15

I want to hike an ice mountain on Pluto.

I have a feeling the lack of gravity, inappropriate atmospheric conditions, and 9 year space flight may pose some problems.... But I LIKE challenges!

teddygirl9

Lack of gravity seems like it would make the hike sorta easier? That O2 tank would be much easier to carry

luckya23

teddygirl9 said:

Lack of gravity seems like it would make the hike sorta easier? That O2 tank would be much easier to carry

Yeah, even I might "hike" if I could do it floating!