The light of the night sky and the interplanetary medium

Abstract

Four of the components of the light of the night sky are described; the aurora is not included. The early history of star counting to determine the brightness of the integrated starlight is reviewed and suggestions made for improving upon this work and extending it to longer wavelengths. Work on the zodiacal light since 1967 is described in detail. The most recent observations of surface brightness, polarization and the spectrum are given and emphasis is laid on the motions and origin of the interplanetary dust particles. A survey is made of the known emissions of the night airglow with reference to their emitting heights, their variation with time and photochemistry. Particular attention is paid to the problem of the nightglow continuum and the diffuse Lyman-α radiation from the night sky is considered in some detail. Finally, brief mention is made of the diffuse galactic radiation as a possible contributor to the light of the night sky. This review was completed in August 1971.