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The plane of symmetry of interplanetary dust in the inner solar systemObservations of the zodiacal light from the space probes Helios 1 and 2 between 1.0 and 0.3 AU show - superimposed on the general radial dependence - a systematic variation of brightness and brightness distribution with position in the orbit which is caused by the inclination of the symmetry plane of interplanetary dust with respect to the ecliptic. By suitable choice of the observing geometry, the inclination and the ascending node of the symmetry plane can be determined directly from the data without recourse to model calculations. The resulting values of i equals 3.0 plus or minus 0.3 deg, Omega equals 87 plus or minus 4 deg are not compatible with a concentration of interplanetary dust to the invariable plane of the solar system. The data support the simple view that the distribution of interplanetary dust in the inner solar system is characterized throughout by one plane of symmetry and suggest that this plane extends to at least 1 AU.
Document ID
19800042118
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Leinert, C.
(Max-Planck-Inst. fuer Astronomie Heidelberg, Germany)
Richter, I.
(Max-Planck-Inst. fuer Astronomie Heidelberg, Germany)
Pitz, E.
(Max-Planck-Institut fuer Astronomie Heidelberg, Germany)
Hanner, M.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Volume: 82
Issue: 3, Fe
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
80A26288
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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