The dynamics of dust particles near the Sun

Abstract

A three dimensional (3D) model describes the equation of motion for dust particles taking into account the gravitational and Lorentz forces. Solutions of the model give the reflection surfaces where grains can be confined.
In particular, the dynamics of dust grains near the corona is studied when solar activity is between two consecutive minima (i.e. before and after a maximum), including the radiation pressure into the equation of motion. 2D solutions yield the confinement regions for dust close to the Sun, and for regions where grains can escape from the heliosphere. The size of confinement and escape regions depends basically on grain size, charge/mass ratio and radiation pressure.