Produced by: Manoj Kumar
New Horizons is approaching the termination shock, a vast boundary where solar wind collides with interstellar space. This crossing could unlock new insights into how our solar system interacts with the galaxy beyond.
Credit : NASA
Even in hibernation mode, the spacecraft continues collecting valuable data on solar wind, cosmic radiation, and space dust, offering scientists an unprecedented glimpse into the uncharted outer heliosphere.
Credit : NASA
With only a small amount of fuel left, every maneuver must be carefully planned. While another Kuiper Belt flyby remains possible, any unnecessary course correction could jeopardize the mission’s long-term goals.
Credit : NASA
Following in the footsteps of the legendary Voyager probes, New Horizons is poised to become the next spacecraft to leave the heliosphere, venturing into the vast unknown of interstellar space.
Representative pic
Surprisingly high dust readings suggest the Kuiper Belt might extend farther than previously thought. If confirmed, this could reshape our understanding of the outer solar system’s structure.
New Horizons’ instruments will provide the first-ever direct measurements of “pickup ions,” which could help explain the mysterious transfer of energy at the edge of the solar system.
The probe is currently in a deep sleep to conserve power, but in April, it will wake up and transmit months’ worth of stored data, shedding new light on its journey into the cosmic unknown.
New Horizons’ nuclear power supply could keep it operational for another 25 years, allowing it to continue sending back data from the farthest reaches of our solar system well into the mid-21st century.
Credit : NASA
Astronomers are racing to find a Kuiper Belt Object within New Horizons’ flight path. If they succeed, the probe could get one last chance to fly past an ancient relic of the solar system’s formation.
Credit : NASA