Spatial Distribution of Interplanetary Dust

Abstract

Interplanetary dust can be defined as solid particles outside Earth's atmosphere in the size range larger than a molecule and smaller than an asteroid. It is studied by a number of quite different techniques. For Earth-based observers, these techniques include measurement of the brightness and polarization of the interplanetary light, optical radar studies of particles entering the upper atmosphere, photographic and radar meteor observations, study of meteorites, and various methods of collecting dust particles in the atmosphere, in ice cores, and in deep sea sediments. Observations made from spacecraft include some interplanetary light observations and measurements of individual particles by means of microphones, penetration sensors, and collection experiments. These observational techniques are described by Millman (1969) and Bandermann (1969).