Oddly enough, I’m doing an on-line course on astronomy at the moment (Coursera) and I guessed what the result was after learning about ‘the elliptical’ and the zodiac etc. But still, a wonderful video! I love learning…! (despite my ancient years)

Cheers. 🙂 I didn’t know about it either – I was completely ignorant that there was even a thing called “Zodiacal Light.”

If I’d heard the term without the explanation, I probably would have assumed there was some woo involved!

Wonderful stuff!

Yes, I can imagine there are some beautiful (and very romantic!) skies to be seen in Arizona. I’d love to see them sometime! Another thing for the bucket list.

There’s a great place in Otago in the South Island of New Zealand too. There’s an observatory in the McKenzie Country, and there has been a bid to get the sky there declared a World Heritage Site to ensure it remains protected from light pollution. Not sure if it’s succeeded or not. A Google search of “night sky” with “observatory” and Otago or NZ or McKenzie Country will give you some beautiful shots.

The best places are just on the other side of the San Francisco Peaks from Flagstaff; the mountains pretty much block out the Flagstaff light pollution. But conditions in Flagstaff itself are good enough that the Zodiacal Light is clearly visible from dark spots within the city limits, such as the ski resort parking lots. The Grand Canyon is another good location, since you’re guaranteed a clear view of at least half the horizon. Just be sure to be careful where you step….

b&