Ever wondered what makes Pluto so unique? From the unexpected story behind its name to just how cold it really is on its surface, these five facts about this distant planet will surprise you. | National Geographic Science

Just 15 minutes after flying past Pluto, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft turned back toward the distant world and captured one of the most breathtaking images of the mission. Taken from around 11,000 miles away, the near-sunset photograph reveals Pluto’s icy plains and towering mountains rising up to 11,000 feet high. The low angle of sunlight casts long shadows across the surface, highlighting the dwarf planet’s surprisingly rugged and complex terrain. Perhaps most striking are the layers of haz