Interplanetary space

The interplanetary space ( interplanetary from Latin inter , "(da) between" and Greek πλανήτης planētēs ) is the space between the individual planets of the solar system .

This space is filled with the interplanetary medium , a mixture of plasma (especially the ionized particles of the solar wind ) and interplanetary dust , as well as small bodies . At a distance of about 1  AU from the sun, the particle density is about 5 particles / cm³.

In addition to the basic meaning of the interplanetary space between two planets, the term is also generally viewed as the space that a planetary system occupies. Thus, emissions from space probes as interplanetary space designated.

In the case of the solar system, the Kuiper belt , or in the extreme case the Oort cloud , can be assumed as the interplanetary boundary . This view could change once the status of some Trans-Neptunian objects is clarified.

See also

• Interstellar space within the Milky Way
• Interplanetary navigation for space probes

literature

• Dave Doody: Deep Space Craft - An Overview of Interplanetary Flight. Springer, Berlin 2009, ISBN 978-3-540-89509-1 .
• Gregory L. Matloff: Deep-space probes - to the outer solar system and beyond. Springer, Berlin 2005, ISBN 3-540-24772-6 .
• Fletcher G. Watson: Between the planets. Harvard University Press, Cambridge 1956.
• Norma Crosby: Interplanetary Travel and Space Weather - Scientific, Technological and Biological Issues. Berlin 2008, ISBN 978-3-540-74877-9 .