Gegenschein, what, where and how?

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KingClinton
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Gegenschein, what, where and how?

#1

Post by KingClinton »


I must be honest, first I heard of this despite the article claiming this is well known among our amateur ranks.

https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&u ... of2LlvUyJw
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Re: Gegenschein, what, where and how?

#2

Post by DeanD »


One of my observing colleagues at an astro camp a number of years ago was heard to complain that the gegenschein was too bright and was mucking up his search for faint comets... :shock:

If I looked hard enough I could discern a very faint brightening at what would have been the anti-solar point in our exceptionally dark sky at the time: although a number of other people had a lot of trouble seeing it. Needless to say we gave our friend a hard time about his complaint! :lol:

All the best,

Dean
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Re: Gegenschein, what, where and how?

#3

Post by JayTee »


At the Bortle 1 dark site I used to frequent, it was quite evident. That and the glow from zodiacal light could easily be seen.

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Re: Gegenschein, what, where and how?

#4

Post by notFritzArgelander »


Yes, it is mentioned in many of the better amateur astronomy introduction books. I first saw it around 1960+. I find it more difficult than zodiacal light by a little. So if you can see zodiacal light give it a go.
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Re: Gegenschein, what, where and how?

#5

Post by kt4hx »


Yeah, quite well known amongst our number, but not to the same extent as say something like the Eta Carina Nebula or Orion Nebula. Below is a link to an article that Sky & Telescope had about it. Agree with the others in that it seems more difficult than the zodiacal light.

https://skyandtelescope.org/observing/t ... 420151410/
Alan

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Re: Gegenschein, what, where and how?

#6

Post by helicon »


I've never seen it. But if I could see it - it would be a good problem to have ! Very dark skies.
-Michael
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