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Photos show stunning close-up of Pluto

By Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Dec 14, 2015

Recently released images from NASA give the closest glimpse of Pluto yet.

NASA shared close-up images Thursday of an intricate pattern of pits on Pluto's surface and a color image of a variety of terrains taken by the New Horizons fly by.

What does the surface of Pluto’s heart look like? These latest close-up images from the July 14 New Horizons #PlutoFlyby...

Posted by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration on Thursday, December 10, 2015

The images were captured during New Horizons' closest approach to the planet July 14.

The pits are believed to have been formed from ice fracturing and evaporation, according to NASA. Scientists believe the patterns formed relatively recently.

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The color image shows cratered, mountainous and glacial terrains.

Pluto was ready for its close-up during the July 14 New Horizons #PlutoFlyby, and now we have those images in color! The...

Posted by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration on Thursday, December 10, 2015

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