Zodiacal light and the Gegenschein

[Kevnool]

Hi i wont normally post in this part of the forum,s but its this zodiacal light that amazes me.

Nearly all times i observe the zodiacal light in the west after Astronomical twilight is always always so bright, I mean so bright you could still say theres a major city out there but theres not, Tourists and other people who have observed with us ask questions about this light so ive had to google this up and learn only the basics as only to answer questions without feeling like an idiot.

All i know basically is that light is being reflected off minute particals of dust in space ( thats what i tell our visitors )

Now on the other hand the Gegenschein has popped into the equation with reading up on transperancy and seeing conditions.

Looking this up it tells me that this is basically the same as zodiacal light but it appears to be oppisite side of the sun,,,so i will find another location so i can observe towards the east away from the lights of town.

My questions are now many other astronomers out here have seen the zodiacal light and are aware of it and also the Gegenschien.

Is anyone interested in the imageing of this or do we have some, I cant image cause i only observe but if one good thing about it is , that it doesnt glow in the north ......opinions invited....cheers Kev.

[ausastronomer]

Hi,

I observe the zodiacal light and the gegenschein pretty regularly from Coonabarabran. I have also observed them both from several other dark sky locations in Australia including, Narrabri, Hill End, Lostock, Ilford and Emerald in QLD. I have also observed them from Doubtfull Sound, Just North of Haast, Franz Joseph Glacier and Cape Reinga in New Zealand. They are visible from a large number of the premium dark sky locations around Australia and New Zealand. A rarity for Northern Hemisphere observers, not so rare for those fortunate Southern Hemisphere observers blessed with pristine skies. I have pointed the Gegenschein out to a number of people who were not even aware what it was. So I think there are a few out there who have probably seen it and not had a clue what they were lookin' at.

Cheers,
John B

[hector]

The Gegenschein should be visible from Lostock this year and I will happily point it out to those who would like to see it. Its one of those things that once you have seen it you cant believe that it took you so long to notice. and you are left to wonder what all the fuss is about.

[RB]

Yep, I was lucky enough to have John point out the Gegenschein to me at Lostock over two years ago.

:thumbsup:

[Blue Skies]

I have seen the zodiacal light on numerous occasions, both evening and morning, usually at a dark sky site away from light pollution. It can be spectacular at times. I've only seen the Gegenschein once and then faintly when it was pointed out to me. I've thought of it over the years but never really looked for it since, so it looks like I've got some homework to do.

For those that see the Gegenschein on a regular basis, is it best seen near midnight when it's near culmination or is it better to have worked out where it should be so you know the best place to look?

[hector]

A bit of both. I find it more a seasonal thing. this time of year you have little chance of seeing it due to the position of the Milky way. I find it is best seen in the Autumn around Leo but it will be visible in about a months time. The glow is huge so just an idea of the area in general is all you require. A good dark sky well after twilight to make it as dark as possable. So late evening after 11pm is best.

[Kevnool]

Thanks for some replys its now all in the books to log and say ive seen it.....cheers Kev.

[badchap]

I've seen the zodiacal light once (that I know of) whilst driving from Adelaide back to Melbourne, in a lovely dark sky in the middle of nowhere.
I was very pleased with myself for recognising it.

There's a bit of an article about it here

http://www.space.com/spacewatch/zodiacal_light_021101.html