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Pioneer 10 ultraviolet photometer observations of the interplanetary glow at heliocentric distances from 2 to 14 AU

Journal Article · · Astrophys. J.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/158890· OSTI ID:6337619
The interplanetary hydrogen Lyman-..cap alpha.. and He 584 A glow observations obtained by the two-channel extreme-ultraviolet photometer on Pioneer 10 at distances of 2--14 AU from the Sun are presented. The data are for the time period from 1972 to 1977. For positions near the Sun, the interplanetary glow is primarily due to single scattering of sunlight by the interstellar gas flowing into and through the solar system. But as the heliocentric radius increases, a significant portion of the interplanetary glow detected by the photometer long wavelength channel (<1400 A) results from a background glow of galactic radiation. Multiple scattering by the distant interplanetary gas, and scattering by ''fast atoms'' produced by charge-exchange processes at the heliosphere boundary, can also contribute to the observed background of about 40 rayleighs.
Research Organization:
Earth and Space Sciences Institute, University of Southern California
OSTI ID:
6337619
Journal Information:
Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 245:3; ISSN ASJOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English