Exploring the solar system's frigid edge

The faint, distant objects of the Kuiper Belt hide secrets as to how the solar system formed.

By Richard Talcott

Published: May 24, 2010

New Horizons' path to Pluto.

Photo by Astronomy: Kellie Jaeger

The New Horizons spacecraft is making a beeline toward distant Pluto. In 2010, it passes the halfway point to its prime destination — twice, in fact. On February 25, it reached the midpoint in distance traveled; on October 16, it will have been in space for half the time it will take to get to Pluto.

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	Sun	Sun	Moon
RISE	—		—	PHASE	—
SET	—		—	DISK	—