Scientists Lost Their Minds Over Pluto And It's The Best

Try not to reach through the screen and hug them.

By now you've probably seen the crisp new image of Pluto in all of its cosmic glory.

Pluto by Hubble vs. Pluto by New Horizons (via @imbadatlife)

Behind the scenes, scientists at NASA headquarters in Maryland were overjoyed after seeing the latest and sharpest image, which took over four hours to reach Earth.

The team saw the image as the probe neared its closest approach at about 7,800 miles from the dwarf planet.

Needless to say, things got a bit emotional.

After all, it was a moment nine years in the making.

And the flyby countdown began, probably on the lower end since New Horizons launched in January 2006.

We did it! A craft from Earth took a trip 3 BILLION miles away!

Success! Science! USA! USA! USA!

There was even a probe hat (presumably lighter than the 1,050-pound spacecraft)!

NASA's bumper stickers are better than your honor student bumper stickers.

Consider this stamp OBSOLETE.

Follow the New Horizons team on Twitter and NASA on Instagram.

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