SYMMETRY OF A GEOCENTRIC DUST BELT AND THE ZODIACAL LIGHT.
Abstract
The behaviour of dust particles in geocentric orbits is discussed. An approximate analytical solution can be found for the motion under gravitational forces alone if the orbital eccentricity is small, and a plane of symmetry can be defined if the lunar orbit is assumed fixed. Solar radiation pressure is important for dust particles and its effect is to change the position of the plane of symmetry so that it lies more nearly in the ecliptic. If, as suggested by Peale, a substantial part of the zodiacal light is due to dust particles in geocentric orbits, they must be fairly distant, probably beyond about 12 earth radii. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0648539
Entities
People
- G. E. Cook
- R. R. Allan
Organizations
- Royal Aircraft Establishment