Dust Particles in Space: Opportunities for Experimental Research

Abstract

Space dust and dusty (complex) plasma are one of the most common manifestations of matter in space. Non-atmospheric bodies of the Solar System, such as the Moon, asteroids, comets, some satellites of the planets, are directly affected by external factors of outer space—solar electromagnetic radiation, interplanetary plasma flows, cosmic rays, micrometeors. Under the influence of these factors, regolith is formed on the surface of bodies during geological epochs. Under the influence of impacts of high-speed micrometeors, dust particles of regolith scatter at different speeds. Most of them return to the surface, but some form dust clouds or lose their gravitational connection with the parent body. Under the action of solar radiation, the surface acquires an electric charge, and dust particles under certain conditions can break away from the regolith surface and levitate. Observational evidence of such dynamic phenomena has been recorded on the Moon and on some asteroids. The study of the physical processes responsible for the activation of dust particles and their dynamics is of great interest for fundamental science and practical purposes. The article discusses the main processes occurring under the influence of outer space factors on regolith, as a result of which dust particles move and a near-surface plasma-dust exosphere is formed. Unresolved issues are discussed. Methods and means of laboratory modeling in studying the activation and dynamics of dust particles are considered.