AUG 28, 2006 - New Horizons is NASA's website for its mission of the same name, which set out to explore Pluto and environs (the outlying region of our solar system known as the Kuiper Belt) on January 19, 2006. If you're a space buff, you'll love things like the launch and mission details. But if you're just looking for a better understanding of Pluto, perhaps especially after all the flap over the IAU demoting it from planet to dwarf planet, you'll be delighted with the New Horizons overview and science sections. Frankly, I'm delighted any time any cosmic denizen - be it a planet, a dwarf planet or whatever - gets as much attention as Pluto has received in the last week or so. And I must say I'm amused at the people who wonder whether astrologers will alter the way horoscopes are done to accord with the new IAU classification. People, Pluto hasn't changed. It's only been given a new handle by a few people. The reality of Pluto is the same, regardless of a change in nomenclature. Would a hammer hurt less, if we called it a kiss? Would a mountain be easier to climb, if we called it a mouse? Don't be silly!
