Sky science
Gegenschein
Direct answer
Gegenschein: The Gegenschein is a very faint brightening of zodiacal light centered near the point opposite the Sun.
It is the counterglow of interplanetary dust.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related
- Skyglow, Zodiacal Light, Airglow, Dark Adaptation
It is the counterglow of interplanetary dust.
A scientific orientation to scale, light, or motion; the article supplies the precise definition.
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The story behind Gegenschein
Careful visual observers distinguished this oval glow from the broader zodiacal band.
A one-minute story
The Wandering Stars
How the moving planets were watched, named and found, and what a transit is.
Why Gegenschein matters
Gegenschein reveals enhanced backscattering within the zodiacal dust cloud.
How to read Gegenschein
Observe only under exceptionally dark, transparent, moonless conditions.
Gegenschein in practice: an example
Near local midnight the antisolar point may carry a subtle diffuse patch.
Where readings of Gegenschein go wrong
Gegenschein is easily confused with airglow, Milky Way structure, or light pollution.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- NASA Science: Night Lights - NASA observing context for zodiacal light, airglow, aurora, and other dim night-sky light.
- NASA Science: Solar System Exploration - NASA overview of planets, moons, small bodies, rings, and the structure of the Solar System.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
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Common questions
What is the Gegenschein?
The Gegenschein is a very faint brightening of zodiacal light centered near the point opposite the Sun.
What do people get wrong about the Gegenschein?
Gegenschein is easily confused with airglow, Milky Way structure, or light pollution.
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