The Zodiacal Light & Gegenschein in Sweden

The Zodiacal Light and Gegenschein are elusive sky phenomena that need a very dark sky far away from cities or other urban areas. Here in Sweden I have seen the Zodiacal Light numerous times, but the Gegenschein is a challenge. The naked eye is the preferred instrument. Neither binocular nor telescope is useful.
The Zodiacal Light is no problem at all to view, provided the site is chosen with care. But, the time of the year must be considered as well. The Ecliptic and the Milky Way should be well separated. Like in the autum mornings and spring evenings.
The Gegenschein needs even more attention when and where to observe. The optimum time is the local midnight, of cause. And far, far away from lightpollutions like the Milky Way!
The prime sites in Sweden are the islands of Oland and Gotland. Here you have access to clear horizon along the Baltic Sea. Also many clear-cut forests, in the middle of Sweden, offer potentially very dark places.
The pictures above are captured with 8 mm /F2,8 lens and Canon 350D.

 

Autosave 5160 61 pilekulla 29 09 2016 min small copy.jpg (99267 bytes) Island of Oland in September.
IMG_3914 copy 12 03 2013 hammarudd min small.jpg (106366 bytes) Island of Gotland in Mars.
The Gegenschein in Sweden is seldom confirmed visually. Neiher this time nor the above times have that happened.
These pictures are captured with 8 mm /F2,8 lens and Canon 1100D.