New Horizons Pluto System Final Approach, 28 Jun-13 Jul 15 Options

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More than nine years in flight, many more years before that in the making--this is the time. Please post all comments related to New Horizon's passage through the Pluto system here.

What to expect

Reminder that despite the rather brief duration of the actual encounter, it will be literally months before all acquired data is returned so this thread will be active for an equivalent time. Intrepid TPS space journalist and UMSF admin Emily Lakdawalla has written an excellent guide to planned imagery activities. EDIT: Updated version of guide. Emily has also produced a simulation of the kinds of images that are anticipated.

FAQs

Most Forum members are advanced spaceflight enthusiasts; many are in fact professionals in space-related disciplines. Accordingly, there are no plans to post answers to questions that can be easily answered via a Google search, and we ask that everyone please attempt to do so before posting a question.

EDIT (4 Jul 15): Admin Astro0 has produced an extensive New Horizons FAQ thread.

EDIT: Review rule 1.9 and keep it firmly in mind before posting. Posts violating that rule will be deleted without notice.

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With all that said, the most important thing by far is to witness the marvel of discovery, of exploration, of New Horizons on worlds never before seen. This is the best seat in the house for doing so, right in the comfort of our own homes. As with previous major events in planetary exploration over the past decade it is likely that not only professionals but also the press may be watching the Forum during the coming days due to its hard-earned reputation as a place for noise-free commentary and stunning contributions by amateur image processors, so please bear this in mind...

...and I can't stop smiling with anticipation and excitement. What marvelous things we will soon see. Enjoy the ride!!!

[David S.]

I always think twice before saying anything not to add noise to this wonderful place, but I can't resist this time since this encounter will finally put an end to a 26 years long wait for me. I was 14 in 1989 when, right after the Neptune flyby, I started dreaming of seeing "the last one" up close in my lifetime.

There were times when I doubted it would happen but thanks to Alan and the amazing team behind this endeavour, that long wait will soon end in the most delightful way ! So, thanks a milion times to all the people involved for making this fourteen/forty years old happy

Going back to lurk mode now, eyes wide open !