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Charging of dust in the very local interstellar medium

Journal Article · · AIP Conference Proceedings
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.56693· OSTI ID:21202198
;  [1]
  1. Max-Planck-Institut fuer Aeronomie, Max-Planck-Strasse 2, D-37191 Katlenburg-Lindau (Germany)
We calculate the electric charges on interstellar dust grains immersed in plasma and electromagnetic radiation to study the conditions under which grains can penetrate the heliospheric boundaries. We show that an increase in the electric charges on the grains between the heliopause and the termination shock may prevent interstellar dust grains of mass less than 10{sup -18} kg from entering the solar system. Further studies require to calculate the charging history of the grains along their trajectories. The importance of secondary electron emission on electric charging of interstellar dust grains is discussed for understanding of the depletion mechanism of small dust grains near the heliospheric boundaries.
OSTI ID:
21202198
Journal Information:
AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 446; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English