Hubble's Universe Season 2 Episode 12 Hubble's Pluto Discoveries

Hubble's Universe season 2 episode 12, titled "Hubble's Pluto Discoveries," explores the fascinating discoveries made by the Hubble Space Telescope regarding the dwarf planet Pluto. The episode delves into the long-standing mystery surrounding Pluto and the evolving understanding of the distant planet.

The episode opens with a brief history of Pluto's discovery in 1930, but quickly transitions to the Hubble discoveries made in recent years. The Hubble Space Telescope has been instrumental in improving scientists' understanding of Pluto's features, thanks to its impressive imaging capabilities.

Viewers are treated to stunning images of Pluto's surface, which have revealed a diverse array of landscapes, including mountains, craters, and icy plains. The episode delves into the various features that have been identified on Pluto and analyzes their significance.

Several episodes of Hubble's Universe detail the findings of the New Horizons spacecraft, which made a historic flyby of Pluto in 2015. This episode focuses on the valuable contributions of Hubble images in preparation for the New Horizons mission, which allowed scientists to determine the best possible landing sites for the spacecraft.

Furthermore, Hubble allowed scientists to keep track of Pluto's atmospheric changes during the flyby. Researchers analyzed Hubble images before and after the New Horizons encounter to study variations in Pluto's atmosphere, such as nitrogen and methane ice clouds.

The episode also explores Pluto's complex moon system, consisting of five moons. One of the fascinating findings discussed is the detection of molecular nitrogen on three of Pluto's moons. This fundamental building block of life is essential for the development of organic molecules, which in turn play a crucial role in the origins of life.

The show also highlights the ongoing debate about Pluto's classification as a planet, featuring perspectives from scientists who advocate for Pluto's planetary status and those who think otherwise. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) reclassified Pluto as a "dwarf planet" in 2006, sparking a public debate about whether it was the right decision.

In conclusion, "Hubble's Pluto Discoveries" is a fascinating episode of Hubble's Universe that sheds light on the valuable contributions of the Hubble Space Telescope in expanding our knowledge of Pluto. Through stunning images, interviews, and scientific analysis, viewers gain insight into the complexity and importance of Pluto and its moons, as well as the ongoing debate about its planetary status. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in space exploration and the mysteries of the universe.