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First close-up image of Pluto's surface released

The first ever close-up image of Pluto's surface has been released following the historic fly past of Nasa's New Horizons space probe.

The spacecraft has taken nine years to reach the dwarf planet.

The latest images released by Nasa has shown more details of Pluto and its largest moon Charon, including surface material and features.

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Cheers at Nasa HQ amid historic approach to Pluto

Nasa scientists working on the nine-year, three billion-mile journey to examine Pluto cheered, shouted and waved flags as the New Horizons probe made its closest ever approach to the dwarf planet.

The craft will now carry out detailed analysis of the composition of Pluto, as well as capturing high-definition images, in what scientists hope will shed light on the make-up of the solar system.

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