Animation by Sarah LeVine. Scroll down for more information.

This is an artist's conception of our own star viewed from 10 parsecs away, about 15 degrees north of its ecliptic plane. The starshade moves in from the left to reveal three planets; Venus, Earth and Mars (yellow, blue and red, respectively) peeking out from the remaining zodiacal light. You can control the animation by either clicking the buttons or by using the right and left keys on your keyboard.