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Pluto's surface seen in highest resolution
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This enhanced color view of Pluto’s surface is made from a mosaic of the most high-resolution images taken by the New Horizons spacecraft. The images were taken from about 10,000 miles (17,000 kilometers) away about 15 minutes before New Horizons’ closest approach. The detail shown here is about 250-280 feet (77-85 meters) per pixel. In total, the mosaic stretches 50 miles (80 kilometers) from top to bottom.
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This image shows off a 50-by-50 mile patch of Pluto’s surface dotted with “pits,” likely formed from the fracturing and evaporation of surface ice. They measure hundreds of yards across and tens of yards deep, and are thought to be relatively young (as far as surface features go.) This image was taken 13 minutes before New Horizons’ closest approach at a distance of 9,550 miles (15,400 kilometers.)
