NASA, the U.S. agency that explores outer space, calls this image “Psychedelic Pluto.” Pluto is the furthest planet in our solar system. The word “psychedelic” means bright, edgy colors, and Pluto looks pretty wild in this image. The New Horizons spacecraft flew by Pluto and sent pictures back to Earth. NASA’s New Horizon scientists manipulated this image of Pluto. It highlights the many different areas on Pluto. The pictures were taken 35,000 kilometers away from the planet with the spacecraft’s Ralph/MVIC color camera. It was captured on July 14, 2015. On Earth, that is Bastille Day, which celebrates French independence.
Image Credit: NASA/JHUAPL/SwRI
Anne Ball reported this story. Kathleen Struck was the editor.
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Words in This Story
outer space – n. the area beyond Earth’s atmosphere where there are planets and stars
psychedelic – adj. the effects of certain drugs that bring bright colors and strange sounds.
edgy – adj. a new and unusual way
spacecraft – n. a vehicle used to travel in outer space
manipulated – v. to change something
highlight – v. to bring attention to
