What is Zodiacal Light?

Zodiacal light is a faint, glowing band of light that stretches across the night sky. It looks like a soft triangle of light, and it appears along the path the Sun travels through the sky, known as the ecliptic. This light is not from stars, but from tiny particles of dust floating in space. These particles reflect sunlight, creating the glow we see.

Sometimes, zodiacal light is called the “false dawn” in the morning, the “false dusk” in the evening, or sometimes “the evening twilight glow.” It is usually most noticeable when the sky is very dark, far away from city lights, and when there isn’t much moonlight.

When Does Zodiacal Light Occur?

Zodiacal light can be seen in both the northern and southern hemispheres, but it’s most visible during certain times of the year. In the northern hemisphere, the best times to see it are during spring and fall. This happens because of the tilt of the Earth and the position of the Sun. In these seasons, the dust particles along the ecliptic are hit by sunlight in just the right way, making them easier to see.

In the southern hemisphere, zodiacal light can be seen around their spring and fall, but it is often a bit brighter due to the dust clouds being positioned differently in the sky.

Zodiacal Light During the Spring Equinox

The spring equinox, which happens around March 20th each year, is the best time for people in the northern hemisphere to see zodiacal light. This is because the ecliptic (where the Sun, Moon, and planets travel) is tilted in a way that allows the dust particles to reflect sunlight more brightly. To spot zodiacal light during the spring equinox, look to the western sky just after sunset or to the eastern sky just before sunrise. You’ll see a faint, triangular glow stretching up from the horizon. The best places to see it around Denver are dark sky sites away from city lights, like the Kline-Dodge Dark Sky Site. For a list of other dark sky sites, check out our post on Where to Explore the 2025 Denver Night Skies. These places provide the clear, dark skies perfect for spotting zodiacal light.

Keep Looking Up

Zodiacal light is a hidden gem in the night sky. While it can be tricky to spot, once you know when and where to look, it’s an exciting experience. Remember to head out to dark locations like Cherry Creek or Staunton State Park during the spring equinox for the best chance to see this celestial glow. And no matter where you are, keep looking up — there’s always something new and amazing to discover in the night sky!