What is the zodiac? Why is it important in astronomy?

What is the zodiac? Why is it important in astronomy?

Maybe you associate the word zodiac with astrology. But it has an honored place in astronomy, too. Skywatchers, in particular, are keenly aware of the zodiac constellations because they contain what’s called the ecliptic, or sun’s path across our sky. Why is the sun’s path so important? Join our night sky experts – Deborah Byrd and Bob King, aka AstroBob – to find out! Looking up has never felt more important. Help EarthSky keep bringing the sky…