Alan Stern and the Rise of Pluto

Humankind’s arrival at Pluto is barely two months away. The science and images have already started to flow from New Horizons, according to the mission’s Principal Investigator, Alan Stern. Alan returns to Planetary Radio this week. Curiosity has been busy on Mars, and Emily Lakdawalla has the complete story. Bill Nye is counting down to the May 20 launch of the LightSail solar sail, and Bruce Betts has the absolute truth about the absolute magnitude of our friendly, neighborhood star.

Related Links:

• New Horizons Mission to Pluto
• New Horizons Sees Surface Features on Pluto
• LightSail Mission Control Center
• Curiosity Update: Sols 949-976
• The LightSail Kickstarter campaign is live! Check out the great rewards and pledge your support!

This week's prizes are a 200-point iTelescope.net account worth $200 AND a stylish Planetary Radio t-shirt!

This week's question:

What galaxy was named after the larval stage of an amphibian?

To submit your answer:

Complete the contest entry form at http://planetary.org/radiocontest or write to us at [email protected] no later than Tuesday, May 19th at 8am Pacific Time. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.

Last week's question:

In microns, how thick are LightSail’s sails?

Answer:

The answer will be revealed next week.

Question from the week before:

What is the absolute magnitude of our sun?

Answer:

The absolute magnitude of our sun is roughly +4.83. Use your sunscreen!