Four years of zodiacal light observations from the Helios space probes - Evidence for a smooth distribution of interplanetary dustZodiacal light experiments on Helios 2 that has been operating continually since January 1976 are discussed, with the purpose of elucidating the distribution of interplanetary dust. Results for the observed gradient of zodiacal light intensity between 1 A.U. and perihelion at 0.3 A.U. show that for all elongations, from 17.5 deg to 135 deg from the sun, the exponent of intensity increase is -2.3 plus or minus 0.1. Color investigations show no systematic variation with heliocentric distance, but a slight reddening is present, increasing towards small elongations. The degree of polarization is found to be higher at 1 A.U. than given previously and decreases towards the sun, even if no correction for electron scattering is made. All results thus fit the hypothesized power law for radial distribution of dust. It is concluded from the stability of zodiacal intensity that the distribution of interplanetary dust is rather simple in space and quite constant in time.
Document ID
19810043349
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
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 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1980
Subject Category
Astronomy
Meeting Information
Meeting: Symposium on Solid particles in the solar system