Zodiacal light.

Kerry astronomy club had an observing session last night and as we were finishing setting up at about 8:30 we noticed a second, dimmer "Milkyway".

We were observing from near Banna beach and light pollution to the west in not a problem The Limiting magnitude was about 6.1 and the faint bright cone of light could be clearly seen stretching along the ecliptic up to an altitude of about 40 degrees. We had seen this last year, at about this time aswell. I did not have my 300D with me but think that it would be very difficult to capture this large diffuse "object" on any camera.

PS Comet Machholz showed two tails clearly in the eyepiece, one thin one about 3 degrees long and a shorter broader one.

Anyone else seen these??

Michael Scully. KAC

Now I wish I had gone to banna with you guys...Instead I went out into country around killarney and did not see zodiacal light, although had excellent conditions.

Michael,
Did it have any colour or was it white?

Dave,

Did it have any colour or was it white?

Just white, faint and diffuse. Most obvious when looking at the milkyway and it appeared in your averted vision, although still easily visible when looking directly at it.

Michael Scully.

WOW ... I've never managed to see Zodiacal light, sounds like you guys have truely excellent conditions down there!

Bart.

Guys, must have been some sight! I've only ever seen this once myself, faint, large and diffuse as you described it, pity no 300D

Keith..