Peering closely at the "heart of Pluto," in the western half of what missino scientists have informally named Tombaugh Regio (Tombaugh Region), New Horizons' Ralph instrument revealed evidence of carbon monoxide ice. The countours indicate that the concentration of frozen carbon monoxide increases towards the center of the "bull's eye." (NASA)

 NASA

That heart-shaped feature in the iconic image put together by the NASA team as New Horizons approached the ninth planet is real.

It’s outlines may blur — or be enhanced — as more data is received, but it is there and it is a real region of icy plains outlined by darker features, including those two mountain ranges.

The team informally named it Tombaugh Regio in honor of Pluto discoverer Clyde Tombaugh.

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