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

In summary, the average density of solar system space dust ranges from E-18 to E-21 kg/m^3, according to Halliday & Resnick. This can be used to calculate the solar system density if the solar system radius is known. However, the definition of space dust includes any mass not found within the Sun and its planets, including moons, comets, and asteroids. The total mass and volume of the moons in the solar system can be used to alter the definition of space dust. An approximation can be made using Wikipedia's data on the masses of significant moons in the solar system. The total mass of the solar system can also be estimated by adding the mass of the Sun and planets. The biggest source of uncertainty is
  • #1
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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  • #2
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?
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
The sun comprises over 99% of the mass of the solar system.
 
  • #5
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.
 

1. What is the average density of space dust in the solar system?

The average density of space dust in the solar system is approximately 10^-20 kg/m^3. This means that there is about 1 gram of space dust in a volume of 1 trillion cubic meters.

2. How is the average density of space dust in the solar system measured?

The average density of space dust in the solar system is typically measured using data from space missions such as NASA's Cosmic Dust Analyzer (CDA) or the Cassini dust detector. These instruments collect and analyze dust particles in the solar system to determine their density.

3. What factors affect the average density of space dust in the solar system?

The average density of space dust in the solar system can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the distance from the sun, the composition of the dust particles, and the presence of other objects such as planets or comets. The density can also vary within different regions of the solar system.

4. How does the average density of space dust in the solar system compare to other substances?

The average density of space dust in the solar system is extremely low compared to other substances. For example, the density of water is about 1,000,000,000,000 times greater than the average density of space dust. This is because space dust particles are very small and spread out over a large area.

5. Why is the average density of space dust in the solar system important to study?

Studying the average density of space dust in the solar system can provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. It can also help scientists better understand the composition and dynamics of space dust, which is important for spacecraft and human exploration missions. Additionally, studying space dust can provide information about the origins of life on Earth and other planets.

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