Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. Our Solar System is evidenced most prominently by the S-shaped blue sash called zodiacal light , created by small pieces of rock and dust orbiting between the Sun and Jupiter . The disk of our Galaxy is evidenced most prominently by the thin band of light-emitting dust that crosses the middle of the image. Clouds and filaments of dust in our Milky Way also make intricate patterns pervading most of the sky. Close inspection of similar images reveal that the background is not completely dark, indicating that our Universe itself provides a diffuse glow , created by dust left over from the star formation throughout the Universe .
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