The Zodiac

astronomy · constellations · sky

Sun's Path. The zodiac marks the path the Sun appears to take across our sky throughout the year. This path is called the ecliptic, and it stays within a special belt-shaped region of space.

12 Sections. The zodiac is divided into 12 equal parts called signs, each taking up 30 degrees of space in the sky. Each sign has its own constellation with names like Leo, Scorpio, and Pisces.

Moon and Planets. The Moon and the brightest planets all travel through the zodiac belt as they orbit around the Sun and Earth. This happens because their paths line up with the Sun's path through space.

Narrow Belt. The zodiac only extends about 8 degrees north and south from the Sun's path, making it a relatively thin band across the sky. This narrow zone is where all the most interesting sky action happens.

Ancient Discovery. People have known about the zodiac for thousands of years and used it to track the seasons and navigate by the stars. The 12 constellations became part of many cultures' traditions and stories.