Pop Culture

NASA Finally Got Its First Clear Photo of Pluto

It only took 85 years.

Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original

In the 85 years since it's discovery Pluto has been classified as a planet and relegated to dwarf planet status. But despite the attention paid attention to the small, distant ball of ice and rock, we've never gotten a clear look at the victim to Neil deGrasse Tyson's bullying.

Until today.

Shortly before New Horizons flyby, which will take the space probe offline until tonight, it sent the "sneak peek" image above. Two days ago the best picture we had of Pluto looked like this:

And a week ago we were stuck with this potato quality:

Should the mission go according to plan, we'll have even better images tonight. Until we find out if New Horizons survived, marvel at the newest image and the inevitable Twitter jokes.

Please enable Javascript to watch this video

Related Stories

Not Available Lead
Pop Culture

The Key to Long-Distance Space Travel Just Might Be Hibernating Bears

After the dissolution of Stephen Colbert's 'ThreatDown' attacks on bears, the underrated animal kings are moving into the world of science.

Trace William Cowen4037 days ago
Not Available Lead
Pop Culture

Watch: SpaceX Rocket Headed to ISS Explodes in Midair

A SpaceX rocket bound for the International Space Station exploded after launching from Cape Canaveral.

Christopher Spata4048 days ago

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App