Zodiacal Light Illuminates the Canary Islands Observatories

Zodiacal light above the observatories

This breathtaking image was captured during an astrophotography expedition to La Palma in the Canary Islands, an island that truly lives up to its reputation for possessing some of the most pristine night skies in the world.

Understanding the Zodiacal Light

The phenomenon showcased here is the zodiacal light. Often described as a faint, cone-shaped glow, it's a spectacle best observed in exceptionally dark skies, far from the pervasive glare of city lights. It makes its appearance shortly after sunset or just before sunrise, tracing the plane of our solar system across the celestial canvas. This luminous band originates from sunlight scattering off the countless microscopic dust particles that permeate interplanetary space.

For optimal viewing, the zodiacal light is most prominent during the spring evenings and autumn mornings, when the Earth's tilt creates a more favorable angle for spotting this subtle cosmic illumination.

Celestial Companions and Observational Giants

In this particular panorama, two prominent orange stars stand out: Mars and Jupiter. Jupiter is visible near the horizon, a radiant beacon amidst the darkness. Look closely towards the top right corner, and you might also spot the familiar pattern of the Big Dipper.

Adding to the grandeur of the scene are the impressive telescopes of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, standing sentinel beneath this celestial display. The photographer notes the presence of what might be interpreted as a scorpion formation in the sky, a testament to the richness of the constellations visible from this location.

Technical Details of the Capture

This stunning image is a composite panorama, skillfully stitched together from 15 individual shots of the sky and 10 shots of the foreground. Each element was captured using a Sigma ART 35mm lens, demonstrating meticulous planning and execution.