Dust in the planetary system

Abstract

A continuous spectrum of particulates ranging from m-sized objects down to molecular sizes is found almost everywhere in the planetary system: in interplanetary space and surrounding planets. Remote observations and in situ analysis provide information on their abundance and properties. Zodiacal dust particles displayed their low eccentricity, low inclination orbits most beautifully in the recent Galileo data. Interstellar particles entering the solar system have been found recently by the Ulysses dust detector. Dust streams have been detected in the outer solar system, with Jupiter as their potential origin. Rings were observed around all giant planets by the Voyager spacecraft. Micron sized dust particles are constituents of most rings. Because of various dynamic effects acting on small particles dust rings are short-lived phenomena or have to be continuously replenished. Descriptions of the ring systems are given and the significance of dust is discussed.