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This book was originally published in 2001. In the ten years preceding publication, the known solar system more than doubled in size. For the first time in almost two centuries an entirely new population of planetary objects was found. This 'Kuiper Belt' of minor planets beyond Neptune revolutionised our understanding of the solar system's formation and finally explained the origin of the enigmatic outer planet Pluto. This is the fascinating story of how theoretical physicists decided that there must be a population of unknown bodies beyond Neptune and how a small band of astronomers set out to find them. What they discovered was a family of ancient planetesimals whose orbits and physical properties were far more complicated than anyone expected. We follow the story of this discovery, and see how astronomers, theoretical physicists and one incredibly dedicated amateur observer came together to explore the frozen boundary of the solar system.

Kuiper Belt. --- Belt, Kuiper --- Edgeworth Belt --- Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt --- Trans-Neptunian Belt

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Orbiting at the edge of the outer Solar System, Pluto is an intriguing object in astronomy. Since the fascinating events surrounding its discovery, it has helped increase our understanding of the origin and evolution of the Solar System, and raised questions about the nature and benefits of scientific classification. This is a timely and exciting account of Pluto and its satellites. The author uses Pluto as a case study to discuss discovery in astronomy, how remote astronomical bodies are investigated, and the role of classification in science by discussing Pluto's recent classification as a dwarf planet. Besides Pluto, the book also explores the rich assortment of bodies that constitute the Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt, of which Pluto is the largest innermost member. Richly illustrated, this text is written for general readers, amateur astronomers and students alike. Boxed text provides more advanced information especially for readers who wish to delve deeper into the subject.

Pluto (Dwarf planet) --- Solar system --- Kuiper Belt. --- Belt, Kuiper --- Edgeworth Belt --- Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt --- Trans-Neptunian Belt --- Pluto (Planet) --- Origin.

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The New Horizons mission provides the first in situ reconnaissance of the Pluto-Charon System and the Kuiper belt, arguably the last frontier of solar system exploration. This book describes the mission, its objectives, expected results, and instruments in articles written by the scientists and engineers most closely involved. The New Horizons mission is expected to return unique observations and discoveries, which will revolutionize our understanding of the formation of the solar system. This volume is aimed at researchers and graduate students active in planetary science and space exploration, and all other potential users of data obtained by the instruments on board the New Horizons mission.

Charon (Satellite). --- Kuiper Belt. --- Planets --Exploration. --- Pluto (Dwarf planet). --- Planets --- Astronomy - General --- Aeronautics Engineering & Astronautics --- Astrophysics --- Mechanical Engineering --- Astronomy & Astrophysics --- Physical Sciences & Mathematics --- Engineering & Applied Sciences --- Exploration --- Space probes. --- Trans-Neptunian objects. --- New Horizons (Spacecraft) --- TNOs (Trans-Neptunian objects) --- Transneptunian objects --- Deep space probes --- Probes, Space --- Physics. --- Planetology. --- Astronomy. --- Astrophysics. --- Cosmology. --- Observations, Astronomical. --- Astronomy --- Space sciences. --- Aerospace engineering. --- Astronautics. --- Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology. --- Astronomy, Observations and Techniques. --- Aerospace Technology and Astronautics. --- Extraterrestrial Physics, Space Sciences. --- Observations. --- Space vehicles --- Space Sciences (including Extraterrestrial Physics, Space Exploration and Astronautics). --- Astronomical physics --- Cosmic physics --- Physics --- Space sciences --- Aeronautics --- Astrodynamics --- Space flight --- Planetary sciences --- Planetology --- Astronomy—Observations. --- Astronomical observations --- Observations, Astronomical --- Science and space --- Space research --- Cosmology --- Science --- Aeronautical engineering --- Astronautics --- Engineering --- Pluto (Dwarf planet) --- Charon (Satellite) --- Belt, Kuiper --- Edgeworth Belt --- Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt --- Trans-Neptunian Belt --- Pluto (Planet) --- Satellites