The trajectory of New Horizons through the Pluto-Charon system is designed to pass through the shadows of both Pluto and Charon. (See attached image.) This is driven by the science goals of observing radio and UV occultations of the atmosphere (and possible atmosphere) with REX and Alice respectively. (Ralph-LEISA is capable of observing the Near IR spectrum of the occultation but only two instruments can be run at the same time.) Characterizing the atmosphere is a Group 1 (Top Priority) objective, as is mapping the surfaces. Searching for an atmosphere on Charon is a Group 2 Science Objective. However, there is no mention of the poles in the science goals. They are no more interesting than any other areas. <br /><br />A main goal of the light, fast New Horizons mission is to observe the planet before the atmosphere freezes out. Targeting the poles, which stand a greater chance of being covered with something frozen, would defeat this.<br /><br />Long range imagery of one of the poles will be possible on approach, as the planet is past the equinox. That is, one pole is sunlit at this time. One of the reasons to push for a lauch of New Horizons this year was that Pluto is going farther and farther from the equinox, and the area around one pole that is in perpetual darkness and cannot be observed is increasing by some large amount every year. <br /><br />Check for further details on the New Horizons website. Look in the archive of Principal Investigator Updates.