Solar system space dust avg density[kg/m^3]

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SUMMARY

The average density of solar system space dust is estimated to range from E-18 to E-21 kg/m³, as referenced in Halliday & Resnick. This density calculation excludes the mass of the Sun and its planets, focusing instead on mass from moons, comets, and asteroids. To refine this estimate, one can utilize data from Wikipedia regarding the masses of significant moons and consider the total mass of the solar system, which is predominantly determined by the Sun's mass, accounting for over 99% of the total mass. The discussion emphasizes the need for approximations and order of magnitude calculations when assessing the contributions of various celestial bodies.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic astrophysics concepts, particularly solar system structure.
  • Familiarity with mass and density calculations in physics.
  • Knowledge of celestial bodies, including moons, comets, and asteroids.
  • Ability to interpret data from astronomical databases like Wikipedia.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the total mass and volume of significant moons in the solar system.
  • Explore the characteristics and estimates of Kuiper Belt objects.
  • Learn about the methods for calculating average densities in astrophysics.
  • Investigate the definitions and measurements of the solar system's edge.
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Astronomers, astrophysicists, students studying planetary science, and anyone interested in the composition and density of solar system materials.

R.L.Jacobsen
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What avg density [kg/m^3] may I attribute to solar system space dust? Halliday & Resnick give
E-18 to E-21 [kg/^3]. This will allow me to compute solar system density, if I know solar system radius[m], ie, distance from edge of solar system to centre-of-mass of our Sun.
By 'space dust' I mean any mass, not found within our Sun and its planets. This would include
moons, comets, asteroids. If you can give me the total mass and volume of the moons in our solar system, then I will alter my definition of space dust to mean any mass, not found within our Sun, moons, and suns planets.
 
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There are so many moons in the solar system. Make an approximation. Wikipedia has the masses of every moon in our solar system. Find out how many ones there are of significant size and make an order or magnitude calculation. I don't know how much it will change the numbers, the solar system is pretty huge...Also, what do you define as the edge of the solar system?
 
A good first approximation for the total mass of the solar system is the mass of the sun.
Include the planets, and you get an even better approximation.
If you really care about the 6. or 7. digit, add the big moons (there are less than 10 with relevant mass) and look for some estimates about Kuiper belt objects - problably the biggest source of uncertainty.
 
The sun comprises over 99% of the mass of the solar system.
 
mfb, chronos, I think the OP wanted to leave out the sun and the planets in his calculations...But yes, you're right, the density of the solar system in its entirety is basically determined by the sun.
 

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