Nasa’s probe hits an asteroid, leaving a 10,000 kilometre trail

From the looks of a new photograph, the asteroid that Nasa’s Dart spacecraft intentionally crashed into left behind a debris path that stretched for thousands of kilometres.

The incredible image of the comet-like jet expanding behind the massive boulder was caught by a telescope in Chile.

Asteroid threats to Earth prompted last week’s crash of the mission designed to see if Earth-threatening asteroids could be deflected.

Scientists are currently trying to determine if the experiment was successful and if the asteroid’s route was changed.

Two days after the crash, astronomers in Chile used the Southern Astrophysical Research Telescope to obtain this stunning image of the enormous path left behind (Soar).

It already stretches over 10,000 kilometres (6,200 miles) and is predicted to grow significantly longer until it entirely disperses and blends in with the rest of the space dust.

Astronomer Teddy Kareta commented, “It is astounding how vividly we were able to capture the structure and scope of the aftermath in the days following the impact.”

Michael Knight of the US Naval Research Laboratory said that they would be keeping an eye on the debris trail over the next few weeks and months.