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New Horizons' New Target: Kuiper Belt Ice Chunk 2014 MU69

Posted by timothy on from the great-name-for-a-smoothie dept.

Vox reports on the next target destination for NASA's New Horizons probe, an ice chunk in the Kuiper Belt designated 2014 MU69. The plan is not yet final; like any space mission, complications are bound to come up. But if this selection sticks, New Horizons should reach 2014 MU69 in 2019. (Re/Code has the story, too.)

2 of 43 comments (clear)

  1. Damned Revisionists by Waffle+Iron · · Score: 4, Funny

    When I was in school, I was taught that 2014 MU69 was a full-fledged comet.

    I'm never going to go along with these self-appointed revisionists attempting to demote it to a mere "ice chunk". It will always be a comet.

    1. Re:Damned Revisionists by Rei · · Score: 3, Funny

      I think I'm going to take a cue from the IAU's attitude and go ahead and make my own definition for the IAU:

      "The International Astronomical Union is defined as a member body of navel-gazing self-important wankers who use grant money to travel to exotic locales to get drunk and make shit up in the name of science."

      --
      Stale pastry is hollow succor to one who is bereft of ostrich.