The Earthward plunge of NASA’s Stardust sample return capsule is captured by Bruce Fischer of the Ogden Astronomical Society in Utah.

This Jan. 15 photo is a 30-second exposure that was started when the capsule was first sighted emerging from the west horizon, seen from the airfield at Wendover, Utah. Fischer told SPACE.com that the capsule appeared like a meteor with a slight orange tinted glow and long ionization trail, rising out of the western sky. [Click here for a larger view of Fischer’s Stardust reentry image.]

The Stardust sample return capsule made a soft landing via parachute at the Utah Test & Training Range. Once recovered, the capsule was later opened and its precious cargo removed – particles of interstellar dust and comet material. Scientists are now studying the collection of captured material, brought to Earth by NASA’s Stardust mission that traveled through space for nearly seven years.

• Stardust Put In Hibernation Mode
• Full Circle: Complete Coverage of NASA’s Stardust Sample Return Mission

-- Leonard David

Credit: Bruce Fischer