NASA releases first historic Pluto flyby images

WASHINGTON, July 15 (UPI) -- They're here! NASA has begun sharing the images captured by New Horizons during its historic flight past Pluto's surface.

For mission controllers it was an anxious last day and a half, but now their hard work is paying off in the form of impressive closeups.

Scientists, engineers, astronauts and mission officials all held their breath Tuesday evening as they awaited for NASA's New Horizons probe to come back online. When it did, at 8:52:37 p.m. EST -- just on schedule -- everyone let out a big cheer and sigh of relief.

The probe executed its historic flyby of the dwarf planet Pluto, and it was forced to shut down its communication systems to focus on collecting data and imagery as it whizzed by the distant dwarf's icy surface. New Horizons was silent for more than 22 hours.

Now, the probe is beaming back the rewards of those 22 lonely hours. On Wednesday afternoon, NASA began releasing the photographic exploits of New Horizons' feat.

A live presentation detailing the first release of images was streamed on NASA TV. Wednesday's revelations are only the beginning. More images and discoveries will be released Friday -- and the days and weeks and months to come. The probe will need 16 months to return all the data collected.

In addition to stunning imagery, NASA's scientists are gleaning scientific discoveries from the flyby. The first closeup of Pluto's surface reveals a newly formed region of rocky mountains, young and unblemished by craters. Scientists says this means Pluto is home to volcanic activity. Researchers believe Pluto's moon Charon also hosts magmatic activity.

Scientists also announced that Pluto's heart feature will now be called Tombaugh Regio, in honor of Clyde Tombaugh, the original discoverer of Pluto.

Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream