New Horizons Mission Finds Evidence of Recent Liquid Nitrogen Flow on Pluto's Surface

Scientists analyzing data from NASA's New Horizons spacecraft have found the first evidence suggesting liquid nitrogen may still be seeping onto Pluto's frozen surface. Dark features on the enormous Sputnik Planitia glacier appear consistent with liquid nitrogen rising through cracks from deep beneath the ice, indicating that Pluto may be much more geologically active than its frozen appearance suggests. The research, led by the Southwest Research Institute, provides the first evidence that liquid has flowed on Pluto in relatively recent times.