zodiacal light

noun

: a diffuse glow seen in the west after twilight and in the east before dawn

Examples of zodiacal light in a Sentence

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Astronomers can study zodiacal light to map the distributions and possible origins of cosmic dust, revealing further insights about the processes happening in our solar system. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 15 Aug. 2025 The sunlight scattering off this interplanetary dust is called zodiacal light and is roughly 24.5 mag/arcsec2. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2024 Expect exceptional views of the Milky Way, Venus, and Mercury, along with many constellations popularized in local indigenous art and lore (like Orion, Gemini, and Taurus) and maybe even the faint glow of zodiacal light. Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2024 As spring breaks, spectacular celestial sights include a rare chance to see both Mercury and a lunar eclipse—on the same night—as well as the seasonal best performances of both the northern lights and subtle zodiacal light. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for zodiacal light

Word History

First Known Use

1734, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zodiacal light was in 1734

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Cite this Entry

“Zodiacal light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zodiacal%20light. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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