A glowing pyramid known as zodiacal light extends upward from the horizon in this view from the European Southern Observatory in Chile. Zodiacal light is formed as sunlight reflects off grains of dust scattered in the plane of the solar system. Recent research suggests the grains may come from Mars. At this time of year, zodiacal light is best seen before dawn on a dark, moonless night. The band of the Milky Way arcs across the left side of the image. [ESO]