Stardust space probe cleans up comet-tail dust for NASA

AN American space probe has entered the shimmering tail of a comet and is collecting hundreds of dust particles which will be returned to Earth for analysis.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration says its Stardust spacecraft will pass within 186 miles of the comet Wild 2 as it flies through the cloud that envelops the dirty ball of ice and rock.

Scientists expected the probe to make its closest approach at about 7.40pm last night, while travelling at a speed of 13,650 mph.