[petuniasevan]

Astronomy Fun Fact:

It's called "Zodiacal light" for its appearance in the same plane ("Ecliptic") as the constellations of the zodiac. They in turn are significant for the fact that the planets, moon and sun seem to pass through them as seen from earth. This is the orbital plane of the planets. Dust particles between the sun and Jupiter reflect sunlight; it's easiest to see when the orbital plane is vertical to our point of view.

Ever seen the zodiacal light? Try it out this month! You'll need to find a DARK location. No lights AT ALL to the east. The moon would wash it out; try for a phase when it'll already be set. Be ready for the light at least 1 hour before morning twilight is to begin. Patience and the realization that this light is diffuse and subtle are a great help.

We are 2 days past first quarter moon. In 6 days' time the moon will be setting with the sunrise, so get that look-see in before a week is out. After full moon the mornings will be a washout until about the 4th of October. Then you can look for the Zodiacal light again in early October (though it's not as easy to find).

Advanced extra-credit work for you astrotrivia hounds: What is the Gegenschein? How is it related to today's topic?
Try to observe it. (Hint: November is the best time).

[petuniasevan]

[sleavelessinseattle]

I didn't check, but I seem to remember that the gegenshein is a triagle of light visible at midnight that is caused by dust particles sparkling and is directly overhead??? It was on Star hustler a couple days back.

[BossyRoofer]

Great picture, will get up early for a look see! Good job APOD!

[mikrofon]

Neat APOD item ... thanks!

It's interesting that, at this time of year when the steep angle of the ecliptic to the morning horizon allows for the best viewing of the Zodiacal Lights, conversely the shallow angle of the ecliptic at full moonrise gives us the phenomenon of the Harvest Moon -- Nature's "night-light" rising soon each evening around the full phase in early autumn would provide additional time for gathering in the crops after sunset.

[RightWhale]

Ever seen the zodiacal light?

Never. And I expect I never will because of light pollution. The sky needs to be dark, totally dark, which is not possible in most of the continental United States, including Alaska.