Observing · Comets and asteroids
Gegenschein
Say it: GAY-gun-shyne IPA: /ˈɡeɪɡənʃaɪn/ noun
Gegenschein: A faint patch of sunlight scattered by interplanetary dust in the direction opposite the Sun.
In a very dark sky, dust in the solar system can create a subtle oval glow at the antisolar point. This glow is part of the broader zodiacal-light phenomenon.
- Example
- The photograph revealed the gegenschein opposite the Sun's position.
- Why astronomers use it
- It reveals dust that is easy to overlook between the planets.
- Tiny cosmic connection
- It is a dust-scattering effect, not a second Moon or a glow produced by Earth's atmosphere.
Observatory Observing Comets and asteroids
Where to check it
Written for Cool Moon Facts in its own words; the sources cover the same idea in more depth.