Ep 21. Chasing Pluto

In the final episode of NOVA's 42nd season, titled "Chasing Pluto," viewers will get an in-depth look at NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto, the farthest planet from Earth. Scientists have been studying Pluto since its discovery in 1930, but it wasn't until New Horizons launched in 2006 that we were able to get a closer look at the distant dwarf planet.

The episode follows the New Horizons spacecraft on its nine-year, three-billion-mile journey to Pluto, as it became the first spacecraft to fly by the dwarf planet. Along the way, the New Horizons team encountered unexpected obstacles, including a last-minute mission design change that nearly derailed the entire mission.

Once the spacecraft arrived at Pluto, it began transmitting stunning images and data back to Earth. We see how these discoveries have changed our understanding of Pluto and its moons, including mountains made of ice and towering cliffs that rival the Grand Canyon. The data also reveals important information about the outer solar system, including the Kuiper Belt, a region beyond Neptune that is home to many icy bodies like Pluto.

Expert interviews help explain the science behind the mission, including the challenges of navigating the spacecraft so far from Earth and dealing with the incredibly low temperatures in the outer solar system. We also hear from members of the New Horizons team as they reflect on the emotional highs and lows of the mission, from the nail-biting moments of the flyby to the satisfaction of finally achieving their goals.

Overall, "Chasing Pluto" provides a fascinating look at the cutting-edge technology and brilliant minds behind one of the greatest space exploration achievements of our time. Whether you're a science buff or not, this episode is sure to inspire a sense of wonder about our universe and our place in it.