NASA's New Horizons Reveals Spectacular Images

Published: Thursday, July 16, 2015 - 8:35am
Updated: Thursday, July 16, 2015 - 8:37am
(Photo by NASA)
The surface of Pluto.

Images from NASAs New Horizons probe of Pluto did not disappoint. Close up photos of the planet revealed a mountain range about 11,000 feet high and tens of miles wide.

On its largest moon, its chasms appear six times deeper than Grand Canyon.  

MORE: How Our View Of Pluto Has Changed Since 1930

Especially surprising to scientists was the absence of impact craters.  According to the team, that suggests Pluto is geologically active and its surface was sculpted by internal heat, not collisions from cosmic debris.  

Even better images of the planet are expected Friday.

Science