An Upper Limit to the Electron Density Near the Earth's Orbit.
Abstract
]3rightness and polarization observations of the zodiacal light are used to determine the upper limit ol the interplanetary electron density at one astronomical unit. The value depends on the assumed dis tribution law of the electrons, a 1/R law giving 800/cm3; 1/R2, 900/cm3; 1/R3, 1000/cm.3. It is furthei shown that the observed polarization can probably be accounted for by reflection of sunlight by dusi particles. Hence the upper limits for the electron density are probably much greater than the actua: value. Certain consequences of these results are discussed briefly
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- May 1949
- DOI:
- 10.1086/145143
- Bibcode:
- 1949ApJ...109..380W