In pictures: Mir's return

Observers on islands in the South Pacific were treated to a spectacular light show as fragments of the Russian space station Mir burned up as they plunged to Earth.

Larger fragments of Mir provided a light show as they burned up

The pieces finally splashed down in the South Pacific

Observers said they heard sonic booms after watching the streaks of light

The space station's last journey sparked interest around the world

The first crew were remembered at Russian mission control

Time to rest after an anxious wait for the mission to be declared a success