New Horizons: Exploring Pluto and Beyond

The New Horizons probe, launched when Pluto was still a planet, was reclassified as a dwarf planet by the IAU. The probe, powered by a radioisotope thermoelectric generator, is designed to operate in low-light conditions and is equipped with various instruments. It was launched at high speed and used Jupiter's gravity to shorten its journey to Pluto. In 2015, it began observing Pluto and its moons, and will continue to explore the Kuiper Belt before leaving the solar system around 2029.

Why was Pluto reclassified as a dwarf planet?

• Larger objects were found in the Cupa belt.

• It was smaller than the Moon.

• It was too far from the Sun.

• It had no atmosphere.

What powers the New Horizons probe?

• Radioisotope thermoelectric generator

• Nuclear fusion

• Solar panels

• Batteries

What is one of the instruments on New Horizons used for?

• Analyzing Mars' atmosphere

• Mapping the Milky Way

• Measuring Earth's magnetic field

• Detecting dust particles

How did New Horizons reduce its travel time to Pluto?

• By using Jupiter's gravitational assist

• By traveling at the speed of light

• By taking a shortcut through an asteroid belt

• By using a more powerful engine

What will New Horizons do after studying Pluto and its moons?

• Explore the Sun

• Examine Cooper Belt objects

• Return to Earth

• Land on Mars