Tuesday October 1, 2024

Comet Tsuchinshan and Morning Zodiacal Light (pre-dawn)

During autumn at mid-northern latitudes every year, the ecliptic extends
nearly vertically upward from the eastern horizon before dawn. That geometry favors the appearance of the faint zodiacal light in the eastern sky for about half an hour before dawn on moonless mornings. Zodiacal light is sunlight scattered by interplanetary particles that are concentrated in the plane of
the solar system - the same material that produces meteor showers. The phenomenon is more readily seen in areas free of urban light pollution.
Between now and the full moon on October 17, look for a broad wedge of faint light extending upwards from the eastern horizon and centered on the ecliptic (the green line). It will be strongest in the lower third of the sky around
the bright star Regulus in Leo. If Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) becomes as bright as hoped, it may also be visible before dawn in early October. Don't confuse the zodiacal light with the Milky Way, which is positioned nearby in the southeastern sky.
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* Origin: CJ's Place, Orange City FL > cjsplace.thruhere.net (21:2/156)