• For the Northern Hemisphere, the mysterious zodiacal light is easiest to see after dusk on moonless March evenings. We still have several days to look for the zodiacal light before the moon returns to the evening sky.
• In both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, it'll be a challenge to catch the moon and the planet Mercury before sunrise tomorrow (Sunday,

March 10). We talk first about the zodiacal light, and then the moon and Mercury.
• Zodiacal light
• Yes, at mid-northern latitudes, this is the best time of the year to catch this pyramid of light illuminating the western sky as soon as dusk ends and darkness falls (80 to 120 minutes after sunset). Look for the apex of the zodiacal light to point upward in the direction of the planet Jupiter, the brightest star-like object in the evening sky. You simply can't miss Jupiter. From northerly latitudes, this dazzling world pops out nearly overhead at dusk.
• As for the Southern Hemisphere, this is the best time of the year to catch the zodiacal light in the morning sky. Look eastward in the dark hour before dawn. In fact, you may be able to catch the zodiacal light tomorrow, for the waning crescent moon won't be all that bright. If you don't see the zodiacal light tomorrow, you'll have about two more weeks to catch it before dawn in a moonless sky.
• Find the zodiacal light. If you have a dark, moonless sky in the Northern Hemisphere, the zodiacal light can be seen in the west about 80 to 120 minutes after sunset in March. This observation is not for city dwellers, but if you find yourself beneath a dark country sky - or perhaps driving along a country road after dusk - look westward for this cone of light extending up from the western horizon. Refer to the brilliant planet Jupiter, for the apex of the zodiacal light will be pointing in this planet's direction.
• Everything you need to know about zodiacal light or false dusk
• Zodiacal light looks like a large but faint milky-colored pyramid of light with its

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