A rare celestial display lit up the skies above Chile’s Atacama Desert, where two beams of cosmic light formed a giant ‘X’. Stargazers and astronomers marveled at the sight as the bright band of the Milky Way intersected with the faint glow of zodiacal light right above the rugged Chilean mountains. This breathtaking phenomenon happened in one of the world’s clearest night skies, making it a hotspot for space photography.
What Created This Cosmic ‘X’?
The Milky Way’s glowing band stretches across the sky, composed of billions of stars clustered together. Meanwhile, the zodiacal light comes from sunlight scattering off dust particles in our solar system. When these two luminous features cross at the right angle, they create the dramatic ‘X’ pattern. The Atacama Desert’s dry air and high elevation provide the perfect conditions for witnessing such spectacular events.
Why Is the Atacama Desert So Special?
Chile’s Atacama is renowned for its crystal-clear skies and minimal light pollution. This makes it one of the best places on Earth for astronomers and night sky enthusiasts. The recent crossing of the Milky Way and zodiacal light adds another stunning spectacle to the desert’s reputation.
Sources:
Live Science – Giant ‘X’ appears over Chile
