A Challenge in Visual Athletics: Hunting the Gegenschein

The gegenschein visible as the bright 'knot' in the zodiacal glow high above the VLT. Image credit: ESO/Y. Beletsky

Looking for something truly elusive? Astronomy has no shortage of the fleeting and ephemeral when it comes to challenges. This week’s challenge will require supremely dark skies and persistence.

We’re talking about the gegenschein, the elusive counter glow lying opposite to the Sun across the plane of the ecliptic. Continue reading “A Challenge in Visual Athletics: Hunting the Gegenschein”