ZODIACAL LIGHT Meaning and
Definition
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Zodiacal light is a celestial phenomenon that refers to a faint band of light that extends upwards from the vicinity of the Sun along the ecliptic, which is the plane of Earth's orbit around the Sun. It is most visible after sunset or before sunrise under a dark, clear sky away from light pollution and appears as a hazy pyramid-shaped glow in the sky.
This natural phenomenon is caused by sunlight scattering off interplanetary dust particles present in the plane of the solar system. These dust particles are remnants of ancient comets, asteroids, and other celestial bodies that have been scattered between the planets by gravitational interactions. This scattering causes the zodiacal light to be visible as a diffuse, cone-shaped glow that follows the ecliptic.
Zodiacal light is typically brightest near the horizon and becomes fainter as it extends higher in the sky. It is often mistaken for the glow of distant city lights or the Milky Way, but it can be distinguished by its particular pyramid shape emanating from the Sun's location.
The name "zodiacal light" is derived from the fact that this phenomenon is most easily seen in the zodiacal constellations, which are the group of constellations that lie along the ecliptic. Additionally, it is a seasonal phenomenon, with the best viewing opportunities occurring during certain times of the year in each hemisphere.
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A luminous track of an elongated triangular figure, lying nearly in the ecliptic, seen only in the evening after twilight, and in the morning before dawn.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ZODIACAL LIGHT
- xodiacal light
- sodiacal light
- aodiacal light
- zidiacal light
- zkdiacal light
- zldiacal light
- zpdiacal light
- z0diacal light
- z9diacal light
- zosiacal light
- zoxiacal light
- zociacal light
- zofiacal light
- zoriacal light
- zoeiacal light
- zoduacal light
- zodjacal light
- zodkacal light
- zodoacal light
Etymology of ZODIACAL LIGHT
The term "zodiacal light" comes from the combination of two words: "zodiac" and "light".
1. Zodiac: The word "zodiac" has its roots in the Greek word "zōidiakòs" meaning "circle of little animals". It is derived from the Greek word "zōidion", which means "animal" or "living being". The zodiac refers to an imaginary belt or zone in the sky along the ecliptic, which is the apparent path of the Sun across the celestial sphere throughout the year. This belt is divided into twelve equal parts, each associated with a constellation representing an animal or object. The zodiac is significant in astronomy and astrology.
2. Light: "Light" refers to electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. It originates from various sources, including the Sun, stars, or other luminous objects.
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