NASA probe may unlock universe secrets
A space probe hit a comet target this morning in a NASA-directed, Hollywood-style mission that scientists hope will reveal clues to how the solar system formed.
It marked the first time a spacecraft had touched the surface of a comet, and ignited a dazzling fireworks display in space.
The successful strike 83 million miles away from Earth occurred just before 7am Irish time, according to mission control at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, which is managing the mission.
Scientists at mission control applauded and hugged each other as news of the impact spread.
It was a milestone for the US space agency, which hopes the experiment will answer basic questions about the origins of the solar system.
The cosmic smash-up did not significantly alter the comet’s orbit around the sun and NASA said the experiment does not pose any danger to Earth.
