zodiacallight

Zodiacal light is a faint, diffuse glow observed in the night sky that is caused by sunlight reflecting off interplanetary dust. This phenomenon is visible in the direction of the constellation Sagittarius, near the plane of the ecliptic, and is best seen when the Sun is at a low altitude, such as during early morning or late evening hours. The term "zodiacal" refers to the zodiac, the apparent path of the Sun across the sky, which is also the path of the planets.

The dust responsible for zodiacal light is primarily composed of microscopic particles left behind by comets as they orbit the Sun. These particles range in size from small grains to larger aggregates, and they are concentrated in the plane of the ecliptic due to the gravitational influence of the planets. The light we see is a result of these particles scattering sunlight in all directions, with the brightest light coming from the direction of the Sun.

Zodiacal light is not a constant feature of the night sky; its visibility depends on the time of year and the observer's location. It is most prominent during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter months in the Southern Hemisphere. The light is also more visible from dark locations away from city lights, as the glow can be obscured by light pollution.

The study of zodiacal light provides valuable insights into the dynamics of the inner Solar System, including the distribution and composition of interplanetary dust. It also serves as a reminder of the vast amount of material that exists in the Solar System beyond the planets, and the ongoing processes that shape it.