Zodiacal Light Above the Observatories: A Canary Islands Spectacle

Zodiacal light above the observatories

During a recent astrophotography expedition to the Canary Islands, specifically the island of La Palma, I was treated to a celestial display that truly lives up to the island's reputation for having one of the best night skies in the world. This image captures the subtle yet magnificent phenomenon of the zodiacal light.

Understanding the Zodiacal Light

The zodiacal light is a faint, cone-shaped glow that becomes visible in extremely dark skies, far from the intrusion of city lights. It's most apparent shortly after sunset or before sunrise, tracing the plane of our solar system across the sky. This ethereal illumination originates from sunlight scattering off countless microscopic dust particles suspended in space.

This phenomenon is particularly noticeable during the spring evenings and autumn mornings. The tilt of the celestial sphere during these times makes the zodiacal light more favorably positioned for observation.

Celestial Companions and Observational Icons

In this photograph, you can clearly see the zodiacal light stretching across the horizon. Prominently featured are two bright orange stars, which are none other than Mars and Jupiter. Jupiter is particularly low on the horizon in this shot. For those familiar with the constellations, the Big Dipper can be spotted in the upper right portion of the image.

Adding to the scientific and visual grandeur, the telescopes of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory are silhouetted against the night sky. This location is a hub for astronomical research, and being able to capture such a natural phenomenon above these advanced instruments is a special experience.

Technical Details

This image is a panorama, composed of 15 separate shots for the sky and 10 shots for the foreground, meticulously stitched together. The entire composition was captured using a Sigma ART 35mm lens.

Camera: Canon 6D Lens: Sigma ART 35mm

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